Tenant Repairs and Maintenance Guide ACT

Renters in the Australian Capital Territory often face difficulties with repairs and maintenance in their rental properties. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you effectively manage these issues, ensuring your home remains a safe and livable space.

Understanding Your Rights in the ACT

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, tenants in the ACT have the right to live in a property that is safe and maintained in a reasonable state of repair. This includes handling urgent repairs promptly.

What Counts as an Urgent Repair?

Urgent repairs typically involve essential services such as water, electricity, gas, and air-conditioning. These are issues that affect your health or safety, and landlords must address them immediately.

Tip: Document and report urgent repairs to your landlord as soon as they arise. Keep a copy of all communications for your records.

How to Request Repairs

When repairs are needed, inform your landlord in writing, outlining the issue clearly. If it's an urgent repair and the landlord is unreachable, tenants can authorize repairs up to a certain amount and seek reimbursement.

Understanding Maintenance Responsibilities

Landlords are required to maintain the property in a reasonable state of repair, considering its age and remaining life expectancy. Tenants should not be held responsible for damages caused by reasonable wear and tear.

• Cleaning gutters: Generally the landlord's responsibility unless specified otherwise in the lease.
• Gardening: Tenants may be responsible for general gardening, but significant upkeep usually falls to the landlord.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

For advice and support, renters in the ACT can reach out to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal for dispute resolutions or the Legal Aid ACT for legal assistance.

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1. What are a tenant's responsibilities for repairs in the ACT? Tenants must report repairs promptly and maintain the property in a clean state but are not required to pay for repairs unless they caused the damage.
2. Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs? No, tenants cannot withhold rent as a strategy to enforce repairs. Doing so may lead to a breach of the lease agreement.
3. What if a landlord refuses to make urgent repairs? If a landlord refuses or fails to make urgent repairs, tenants can apply to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal for an order requiring the landlord to complete the repairs.

1. How to request repairs in the ACT
   1. Document the repair issue: Take photos and note down the specifics of the problem.
   2. Notify the landlord in writing: Send a detailed email or letter to your landlord or property manager.
   3. Allow a reasonable time for response: Give your landlord a reasonable timeframe to respond and act on the repair.
   4. Escalate if necessary: If your landlord does not respond, consider applying to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal for further action.

Key Takeaways

• Always notify your landlord in writing about any repairs needed.
• Document all communications and retain copies for future reference.
• Contact local resources if your landlord fails to act on urgent repairs.

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