AC T Renter Rights for Repairs & Maintenance

Living in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), renters have specific rights and responsibilities concerning repairs, maintenance, and urgent issues. This article clarifies these aspects, ensuring you know what steps to take when faced with property maintenance challenges.

Understanding Repairs and Maintenance Obligations

As a renter in the ACT, it’s crucial to understand who is responsible for what when it comes to property maintenance and repairs. Generally, landlords are responsible for maintaining the property in a safe and habitable condition, whereas renters must take care of minor maintenance tasks like changing light bulbs or cleaning.

What Are Urgent Repairs?

Urgent repairs could include a burst water service, a gas leak, or serious electrical faults. These are issues that need immediate attention because they affect your safety or security.

Process for Requesting Repairs

For non-urgent repairs, the process usually involves informing your landlord or agent in writing, specifying the repair needed and giving them a reasonable time to respond.

Ensure your communication is detailed and keep records of all discussions and correspondences for future reference.

What Happens If Repairs Are Not Conducted?

If repairs are not addressed within a reasonable timeframe, you have the right to proceed with further action. This could involve lodging a complaint with the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).

Understanding Your Rights Under the Law

The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 provides comprehensive information on tenants’ and landlords’ rights and obligations regarding repairs and maintenance. It is essential to familiarize yourself with these details.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) - Handles disputes related to residential tenancies.
• Tenants' Union ACT - Offers advice and support for tenants.
• Department of Justice and Community Safety - For official act legistration and forms.

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1. What should I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs? In such cases, document the issue, request the repairs via formal communication, and contact the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal if unresolved.
2. Can I make urgent repairs myself? If the landlord does not act swiftly, tenants may be able to arrange for repairs themselves and seek reimbursement after notifying the landlord first.
3. What is considered 'reasonable time' for repairs? A reasonable time depends on the issue's severity, but usually, two weeks is acceptable for non-urgent matters.

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