Maintenance - Cost vs. Gain

The Residential Tenancies Act clearly states that the landlord must maintain the property in ‘good’ repair, in a state that is fit to live in and in a state that complies with health and safety codes, local government by-laws and supply authority regulations.

These tenancy laws have been written to protect individuals from injury and poor living standards. As a managing agent it is our duty of care to ensure that the property is in good repair and safe for the tenant.

If a member of our property management team recommends improvements, maintenance or repairs at your property, it is to protect your investment.

Following are examples of high risk repair areas that could lead to tenant injury:

• Steps and railings that are not secure
• Electrical points and wiring that are loose, frayed or not working
• Floor coverings that have tears, loose threads or ripples
• Broken or insufficient external lighting
• Faulty electrical appliances
• Uneven or loose pavers
• Roof leaks
• Windows or doors with faulty locks
• Broken smoke alarms (we recommend wired in alarms)
• Faulty pool gate locks or fencing

Our office carries out regular routine inspections to ensure that the property is kept in a safe, well - maintained condition.
If a member of our team reports repairs, maintenance or improvements it is important that you work with us to ensure that it is rectified in a timely manner.

A well-maintained property will maximise the rent achievable, attract a quality tenant, reduce vacancy periods and improve the long-term capital asset value of the property.

It is important to understand that as property managers we can only complete detailed visual inspections, we are not qualified to determine the safety of the building in relation to electrical works and the building structure. Our office highly recommends that you organise the following inspections to ensure that your property is safe or better still let us know and we can arrange them:

• Building inspection
• Electrical inspection

These inspections and reports may cost you a few hundred dollars every year or so however they have the potential to save you thousands both by early detection of maintenance issues and potential liability claims.