As a resident of New South Wales (NSW), it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to repairs in your rented property. This is because the state has specific legislation regarding residential tenancy agreements and repairs. In this article, we will walk you through the basics of residential tenancy agreement repairs in NSW.
The Residential Tenancies Act of 2010
The Residential Tenancies Act of 2010 is the primary legislation governing residential tenancy agreements in NSW. This Act outlines the rights and responsibilities of renters and landlords, including the rules around repairs and maintenance.
Under the Act, landlords are responsible for ensuring that a rented property is in a reasonable state of repair. This includes ensuring that the property is structurally sound, that all fixtures and fittings are in working order, and that the property is safe and secure.
Further, if there are any repairs that need to be made to the property, the landlord must attend to them in a timely manner. This means that if there is an urgent repair that needs to be made, such as a burst pipe or a broken window, the landlord must attend to it as soon as possible.
The Residential Tenancy Agreement
When you rent a property in NSW, you will be required to sign a residential tenancy agreement. This agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of your tenancy, including the rules around repairs and maintenance.
In the agreement, you will find information about what repairs the landlord is responsible for, and what repairs you, as a tenant, are responsible for. For example, you might be responsible for replacing light bulbs or keeping the property clean and tidy, while the landlord might be responsible for repairing the plumbing or the heating system.
It is important to carefully read and understand your residential tenancy agreement so that you know exactly what repairs you are responsible for, and what repairs the landlord is responsible for.
Resolving Disputes
If there is a dispute between you and your landlord regarding repairs, the first step is to try to resolve the issue through open communication. This means talking to your landlord and explaining the problem, and giving them a reasonable amount of time to attend to the repair.
If your landlord fails to attend to the repair or refuses to do so, you can take further action. This might include making a complaint to the NSW Fair Trading agency or lodging a dispute with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
In conclusion, as a tenant in NSW, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to repairs in your rented property. By knowing what you are responsible for and what your landlord is responsible for, and by understanding the rules around repairs and maintenance in the Residential Tenancies Act of 2010, you can ensure that you have a safe and comfortable living environment.