Essential Tenant Information on Repairs in WA

As a tenant in Western Australia, understanding your responsibilities and rights concerning repairs, maintenance, and urgent issues is crucial. This guide will navigate you through the essentials, ensuring you're well-informed on how to handle these matters effectively.

Understanding Repairs and Maintenance

In Western Australia, tenants and landlords have specific obligations regarding property maintenance and repairs. The Residential Tenancies Act 1987 outlines these responsibilities clearly.

Tenant Responsibilities

• Keep the property in a reasonably clean condition.
• Notify the landlord of any damage or need for repair.
• Avoid causing intentional damage to the property.

Landlord Responsibilities

• Ensure the property is fit to live in at the start of the lease.
• Conduct regular maintenance to ensure the property remains livable.
• Address repairs promptly, especially urgent issues like leaks or electrical hazards.

Urgent Repairs

Urgent repairs are issues that can affect someone's health or safety or result in further damage if not immediately addressed. These can include:

• Broken hot water system
• Sewerage issues
• Secure your home after a break-in

If you require an urgent repair and cannot contact your landlord, you may arrange for the repair yourself within a reasonable cost. However, it's advisable to follow up with the landlord in writing, using formal communication methods.

If you face urgent repair issues, documenting your communication and actions is vital.

For more detailed guidance on emergency repairs, please refer to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) resources on urgent repairs in Western Australia.

Lodging a Repair Request

When repairs are necessary, it's important to formally request these from your landlord:

1. Submit a Repair Notice: Use the Notice to Landlord of Repairs Form to request necessary repairs.
2. Keep Records: Always keep a copy of your request and any correspondence with your landlord.
3. Time Frame: If a landlord fails to address a request in a reasonable time, you may escalate the matter.

For further details on filing repair requests, consult DMIRS on their official website.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you're facing challenges related to repairs, maintenance, or other tenancy issues, consider reaching out to the following WA resources:

• Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) - Offers resources and advice on tenancy rights.
• Tenancy WA - Provides legal support for renters on various tenancy issues.
• State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) - Resolves disputes between tenants and landlords.

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1. What can I do if my landlord doesn't fix an urgent issue? If your landlord doesn't address an urgent repair in a reasonable timeframe, you can arrange for the repair yourself up to a reasonable cost and seek reimbursement.
2. How should I request a repair? Always put the request in writing using the appropriate form, such as the Notice to Landlord of Repairs, and keep records of all communications.
3. Who is responsible for regular maintenance? Both tenants and landlords have responsibilities; tenants should keep the property clean, while landlords must ensure broader maintenance issues are handled.

1. How to file a repair notice in Western Australia?
   1. Download the official Notice to Landlord of Repairs Form.
   2. Complete the form detailing the required repair.
   3. Submit the form to your landlord, keeping a copy for your records.

Key Takeaways

• Understand your rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987.
• Use official forms to document repair requests and urgent issues.
• Contact support services like Tenancy WA or DMIRS for help with unresolved issues.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act 1987

2. Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

3. State Administrative Tribunal

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