As a landlord, maintaining a rental property requires collaboration between you and your tenants. While you’re responsible for major maintenance and ensuring the property complies with legal standards, tenants also have obligations to keep the property in good condition. Understanding and setting clear expectations can prevent disputes and ensure a positive tenancy experience.
Tenant Responsibilities: What the Law Says
Under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) in New Zealand, tenants are required to:
- Keep the Property Clean: Tenants must maintain reasonable cleanliness throughout their tenancy. This includes regular cleaning of floors, kitchens, bathrooms, and other living areas.
- Report Maintenance Issues Promptly: Tenants should notify the landlord of any necessary repairs or damages as soon as possible.
- Avoid Intentional or Careless Damage: While normal wear and tear is acceptable, tenants must not intentionally or negligently damage the property.
- Dispose of Rubbish Properly: It is the tenant’s responsibility to ensure waste is regularly removed and stored appropriately.
- Maintain Gardens and Lawns (if required): If outlined in the tenancy agreement, tenants must mow lawns, weed gardens, and ensure outdoor areas are tidy.
Example Scenario:
If a tenant notices a leaking tap but delays reporting it, leading to further damage, they may be held accountable for additional repair costs.
Landlord Responsibilities
While tenants are responsible for day-to-day cleanliness and minor maintenance, landlords must:
- Address Major Repairs: This includes fixing structural issues, plumbing, and electrical systems.
- Ensure Compliance with Healthy Homes Standards: Landlords must provide heating, insulation, ventilation, and draught-proofing that meet legal requirements.
- Maintain Appliances and Fixtures: If you provide appliances like ovens or washing machines, it’s your duty to repair or replace them if they fail due to normal use.
Setting Clear Expectations
To avoid confusion, landlords should outline tenant responsibilities in the tenancy agreement. Include:
- Specific Tasks: For example, if tenants must mow the lawn or maintain gardens.
- Reporting Protocols: How and when tenants should report maintenance issues.
- Boundaries for Alterations: Specify whether tenants can make minor changes, like hanging pictures or installing shelves.
Pro Tip: Provide tenants with a welcome booklet detailing their responsibilities, contact information for repairs, and tips for maintaining the property.
Common Areas of Dispute and How to Handle Them
- Wear and Tear vs. Damage
- Example: Scuffed walls from furniture are considered wear and tear, while holes in the wall from careless handling are not.
- Solution: Conduct regular inspections and document the condition of the property at the start and end of the tenancy.
- Garden Maintenance
- Example: Tenants might fail to mow lawns or trim hedges if responsibilities are unclear.
- Solution: Include garden maintenance clauses in the tenancy agreement and communicate expectations clearly.
- Unreported Issues
- Example: A tenant ignores a minor plumbing issue, causing extensive water damage.
- Solution: Encourage open communication and provide easy ways for tenants to report issues, such as a dedicated email or maintenance app.
How NG Property Management Ensures Smooth Tenancy Management
At NG Property Management, we help landlords and tenants navigate responsibilities seamlessly:
- Comprehensive Agreements: We draft tenancy agreements that clearly outline roles and expectations.
- Regular Inspections: Our team conducts routine inspections to ensure the property is well-maintained and identifies potential issues early.
- 24/7 Support: Tenants can easily report maintenance concerns, and we coordinate prompt repairs to minimize risks.
Key Takeaways
- Tenants are responsible for everyday cleanliness and minor maintenance, while landlords handle major repairs and compliance.
- Clear communication and detailed tenancy agreements prevent disputes over responsibilities.
- NG Property Management ensures tenants and landlords stay aligned for a hassle-free tenancy experience.
Managing tenant responsibilities doesn’t have to be stressful. Let NG Property Management handle the details so you can focus on maximizing your investment. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult a professional for specific guidance on tenancy management.
