Repairs: Who's responsible…and what is fair wear and tear?
Repairs: Who's responsible…and what is fair wear and tear?
When it comes to renting your property there are some obligations on owners in relation to repairs that are covered by the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 but there is also tenant responsibilities for the property.
As a property owner when it comes to property repairs, it’s good to know who’s responsible.
In general, all property repairs are the responsibility of the property owner and are claimable against your taxable income for the property.
Not everything is straightforward so it’s important to understand ‘fair wear and tear’ and also what ‘tenant damage’ is as well.
#1- What’s considered ‘Fair Wear and Tear’?
These are items breaking or wearing down just from using them.
Paintwork gets marked and scratched over time, carpets wear out, rubber seals get old, and things like tap fittings can become corroded.
If the tenant hasn’t damaged or used the item incorrectly, then you can, more often than not, safely put it down to ‘fair wear and tear’!
#2- What’s considered ‘Tenant Damage’?
This is deliberate or accidental damage to an item that hasn’t just broken down from normal use. This could be a broken window, an impact hole through a cupboard door, or a serious burn to a kitchen benchtop.
In some cases, it may be appropriate to use building insurance to fix the item and the excess reimbursement sought from the tenant.
Other instances may involve compensation payable by the tenant depending on the item, the damaged area involved, and the item’s age.
As your property manager, it’s our role to work out how the item will be rectified, and how the tenant will need to reimburse the cost of the damage.
Contact Bronwyn at McAdam and Turnbull Realty on 46392222 email [email protected] if you would like to discuss professional management of your rental property. I am on the side of investors – offering support and advice to Toowoomba investors.