Common Repair Issues Tenants Face in Tasmania

As a tenant in Tasmania, navigating rental duties like repairs and maintenance can often feel overwhelming. It's essential to understand your rights and responsibilities when dealing with these issues to ensure a comfortable living environment.

Understanding Your Responsibilities

Under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997, both tenants and landlords in Tasmania have specific obligations. As a tenant, you must maintain the property in a reasonable condition and notify your landlord as soon as repairs are needed.

Common Repair and Maintenance Issues

• Leaking roofs and blocked gutters: In Tasmania, frequent rain can lead to such problems. Tenants should report these issues promptly to landlords.
• Plumbing problems: Issues like blocked drains or leaking faucets are common. Reporting them early can prevent more significant damage.
• Faulty electrical systems: Flickering lights or faulty outlets must be addressed immediately due to safety concerns.

Urgent Repairs

Tenants have the right to request urgent repairs, such as fixes to burst water services or serious leakages. For urgent issues, it's advisable to contact the landlord directly and follow up with written communication.

Filing a Repair Notice

If repairs are needed, tenants can use the official Notice to Repair Form to formally request action from the landlord. Download this form from the Tasmanian Department of Communities.

Tip: Always keep a copy of all communications with your landlord regarding repair requests for your records.

What to Do If Repairs Are Not Made

If a landlord fails to act on repair requests, tenants can apply to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) for a resolution. Preparing all documentation and evidence is crucial for these hearings.

FAQ

1. What defines an urgent repair?Urgent repairs are those needed to rectify issues that may threaten the tenant's safety or lead to significant property damage, such as burst water pipes or electrical failures.
2. Who is responsible for general maintenance?The tenant is responsible for keeping the property reasonably clean, while the landlord must ensure the property remains safe and habitable.
3. Can I arrange for repairs myself?Yes, but only after notifying the landlord and receiving their agreement to cover the cost, especially for urgent repairs if the landlord is unreachable.

How To Section

1. How to use the Notice to Repair Form in Tasmania
   1. Step 1: Identify the repair needed.Assess whether the repair is urgent or non-urgent.
   2. Step 2: Download the form.Visit the Tasmanian Department of Communities website to download the Notice to Repair Form.
   3. Step 3: Fill out the form.Include details of the issue, your contact information, and any requests you have for the landlord.
   4. Step 4: Submit the form.Deliver the completed form to your landlord via post or email, and keep a copy for yourself.

Key Takeaways

• Understand your responsibilities under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997.
• Always report repair issues promptly and keep records.
• Utilize official forms and processes for repair requests and disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tasmanian Department of Communities: For accessing repair forms and tenancy rights information.
• Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal: For dispute resolutions.
• Tenants Union of Tasmania: Offers legal advice and support to tenants.

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1. Residential Tenancy Act 1997

2. Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth)

3. Tasmanian Department of Communities

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