Tasmania Rental Repairs and Maintenance Guide

As a renter in Tasmania, understanding your rights and responsibilities regarding repairs and maintenance can be crucial. From minor issues to urgent repairs, knowing how to navigate these scenarios ensures your home remains safe and habitable.

Understanding Repairs and Maintenance in Tasmania

In Tasmania, both landlords and tenants have specific duties under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997. This legislation outlines the roles related to property upkeep, ensuring a fair and safe rental experience for all parties involved.

Types of Repairs

• Urgent Repairs: These are repairs needed to fix serious health and safety issues, such as a gas leak or broken heater in winter.
• Routine Repairs: General maintenance tasks that are not urgent, like fixing a leaking tap or replacing a damaged tile.

Claiming Urgent Repairs

If urgent repairs are needed, tenants should immediately notify their landlord. In Tasmania, if the landlord fails to address the issue within a reasonable time, the tenant can seek orders from the Residential Tenancy Commissioner to compel the landlord to make the repairs.

Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Both parties must keep the property maintained according to the tenancy agreement:

• Tenants must keep the premises reasonably clean and report any damage or required repairs as soon as possible.
• Landlords need to ensure the property is habitable and undertake maintenance promptly.

Reporting and Documentation

It's vital for tenants to document requests for repairs by keeping copies of communications like emails or letters. This record helps in disputes or if a tenant needs to apply to the tenancy tribunal.

Process for Urgent Repairs

1. Recognize the need for an urgent repair and contact the landlord immediately.
2. If the landlord fails to act, renters can complete a Notice to Repair form and submit it to the landlord.
3. Should the issue persist, tenants can contact the Residential Tenancy Commissioner for assistance.

FAQ: Repairs and Maintenance in Tasmania

1. What qualifies as an urgent repair?

   Urgent repairs include threats to health or safety, such as severe water leaks or electrical failures.

2. How quickly should a landlord respond to repair requests?

   For urgent issues, landlords must act immediately. Routine issues should be addressed within a reasonable timeframe.

3. Can tenants make repairs themselves?

   Tenants can only make certain urgent repairs themselves if they cannot contact the landlord. Costs might be reimbursable.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you are facing issues with repairs and maintenance, you can contact:

• Consumer, Building and Occupational Services - For tenancy advice and support.
• Residential Tenancy Commissioner - To resolve disputes.
• Tasmanian Legal Aid - For legal assistance and advice.

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1. Residential Tenancy Act 1997

2. Residential Tenancy Commissioner

3. Consumer, Building and Occupational Services

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