All NSW landlords will need to ensure that their investment properties meet minimum standards to be "fit for habitation” by 23 March 2020.
These 7 standards must be met at the start of each
tenancy and have to be maintained throughout the tenancy:
1. Structurally
sound property.
2. Adequate
natural or artificial lighting in each room, except storage rooms or garages.
3. Adequate
ventilation.
4. Supplied
with electricity or gas and has adequate electricity or gas outlets for
lighting, heating and appliances.
5. Adequate
plumbing and drainage.
6. Connected
to a water supply service or infrastructure for the supply of hot and cold
water for drinking, washing and cleaning.
7. Contains
bathroom facilities, including toilet and washing facilities, which allow user
privacy.
Ask your
tenants to make all requests via the RealRenta platform, which dates
and time-stamps every interaction.
Your tenant
can upload photos and videos of any changes that they wish to undertake onto
the platform and this information will form part of the tenancy file.
Make sure
that the lease agreement is very clear about issues regarding changes and
amendments to your property and what is and is not allowed.
In the event
that a tenant proceeds with major changes without your permission and is in
violation of the lease agreement, you will have legal recourse against the
tenant.
The tenant
may be ordered to bear the cost of returning the property to its’ original
condition and you may have the right to keep any of the bond, that is necessary
to cover the cost of any missing appliances, fixtures and/or damage to the
property.
Join the
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Marlene Liontis
Thursday, 9 January 2020
