Landlord or Tenant - Who is Responsible?

Mitchell James and MMJ Dapto
Landlord or Tenant - Who is Responsible?

When you move into your rental property, the landlord or property manager must have ensured the premises are habitable and in a reasonable state of cleanliness and repair.

You must keep the property clean and tidy and, at the end of your tenancy, hand it back in a similar condition to how it was at the start of your agreement, taking into account normal use (fair wear and tear).

Maintenance Inside

While you are renting, the landlord / property manager must keep the premises in a reasonable state of repair and comply with building, health and safety laws. They are responsible for the upkeep of the property (for example, plumbing and the maintenance of provided contents, such as the refrigerator, stove, washing machine or air conditioner) unless you have intentionally or neglectfully damaged them. Mould or mildew caused by faults in gutters or other fixtures is the responsibility of the lessor.

You are responsible for basic household maintenance, like replacing light globes, vacuuming, cleaning windows, dusting and removing cobwebs inside and out, and ensuring there is adequate ventilation to help avoid mould problems in winter.

Maintenance Outside

You are responsible for garden maintenance, such as mowing and edging lawns, weeding and pruning. You should be provided with the necessary hoses, sprinklers, etc. If you become aware of any potential damage to gutters as a result of leaf blockages, or notice a water leak, you must advice your landlord or property manager. If the leak is obvious and you fail to report it, you may be liable for the costs of the water lost.

The landlord or property manager is responsible for maintenance to any garden reticulation system, tree lopping, cutting back overhanging branches (such as those near power lines) and maintaining fire breaks, unless your tenancy agreement says otherwise.

Swimming Pools and Spas

If your rental property has a swimming pool or spa, you are responsible for keeping the pool or spa or any associated equipment in a properly treated and clean condition. You must also observe all legal requirements relating to pools or spas during the period of the lease.

The landlord or property manager is responsible for ensuring the pool or spa is secure, that it is child safe and complies with pool safety standards. If you become aware of any safety concerns relating to the swimming pool or spa, you must report these concerns to your landlord or property manager as soon as possible.

At the start of your tenancy, the landlord or property manager should make sure the water is clean, chemically balanced and the pool and equipment are serviceable. You should also be provided with the necessary tools and equipment for day-to-day maintenance, such as vacuums, hoses, brushes and scoops.

Unless your written agreement states otherwise, as the tenant you are responsible for day-to-day maintenance and upkeep of the pool, such as cleaning and maintaining the chemical balance of the water, including the purchase of pool chemicals.

Categories:
Buying Real Estate Selling Real Estate Commercial Real Estate Investing in Real Estate Real Estate News Awards Residential Real Estate Commercial Property Auction Renting Selling Sydney Office Leasing First Home Buyers Hints & Tips Renting Real Estate Office Leasing Pets Wollongong Illawarra Lease Wrap Retail Property Childcare Childcare Investments WA MMJ News Awards & Recognition Green Buildings Portfolio Managemnt Track Record Investment Investment Property Buying Buying Northern Suburbs Commercial Centres Community Charity MMJ Team Pricing Indicators Pricing Attracting Buyers Interest Rates Events Office Fit-Out Interior Design Leasing Commercial Leasing Tenants Landlords Finances Market Conditions Trends Offices Property Styling Property Investing Business Sales Research Property Management #realinvestor government Government Grants Renting Property Selling Guide Sixty Years MMJ Teams COVID-19 Town Planning Property Development Project Marketing Advisory rent rent Valuation Development Real Estate Next Move Developers New Appointment Melbourne Real Estate MMJ Family Asset Services NSW Child Care Investments Child Care Perth Real Estate Asset Management active apartment penthouse Employee Sydney Real Estate Wollongong Real Estate Legislation Industrial Empowered Stars Of Wollongong Business Sales Team Business Spotlight rental property MMJ Nowra 2023 Housing Market Auction Clearance Rates Residential Sales Town Planning & Advisory Industry Change Laws Commercial Sales Commercial Management Residential Management MMJ Wollongong MMJ Central Coast Strata Issue 8 Hysata Sicona History Conveyancer Solicitor Commercial Market Update Commercial Asset Management Making A Difference Types of Buyers 2024 Listing Your Home Smoke Alarms Issue 9 Escabags BubbleBerry Rental MODCO Property Market