A property should be handed over to the Tenant with all light bulbs working. During the course of the tenancy, if a light bulb needs changing it is generally the tenant’s responsibility to have this changed. One major exception is…
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In general, the Property Owner is responsible to pay for all routine maintenance on a rental property. The main exception is if the damage is a result of mistreatment by the tenants. For example, a kitchen cupboard hinge that is worn…
Once you engage a Sales Agent to market your property, they are required to advise the tenant via the ‘RTA Form 10 – Notice of Lessor’s Intention to Sell Premises’. This form must be signed by both the Sales Agent…
Section 185 of the RTRA Act is clear and specific regarding Owners’ obligations to maintain the property throughout a tenancy. RTRA ACT – SECTION 185 – Lessor’s obligations generally (2) At the start of the tenancy, the lessor must ensure— …
A Lease Agreement can be signed by several tenants. Each tenant takes on equal responsibility for the Lease Agreement. A Change of Shared Tenancy is where the tenants’ names on a lease agreement are changed due to tenants moving out…
This is a term used quite extensively in residential tenancies. When a tenant vacates a property, agents and owners are cautioned to not make tenants responsible for anything that can be classed as ‘Fair Wear and Tear’. ‘Fair Wear and…
Property Owners have a responsibility to attend to all ‘Emergency’ repair issues without delay. Below is an excerpt from the Residential Tenancies Act, defining the meaning of ‘Emergency;. RTRA Act 2008 – SECTION 214 – Meaning of Emergency Repairs Emergency repairs are works…
This is a common misconception among owners. Some agents even write this into their lease agreements. Unfortunately, this is contracting out of the Act, and a lease with these conditions would not stand up in Court. While we can REQUEST a tenant…
The tenancy laws concerning times and frequency of owner/agent inspections are quite rigid. This is to allow the tenants ‘quiet enjoyment’ of the property in which they are living. In a nutshell, an Owner can’t just turn up at his/her property…