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Tenant responsibilities

Your landlord is responsible for making sure your rental property meets minimum standards.

As the tenant, you also have a role to keep the property up to standards.

You must:

• Keep the property in good condition and to the standard it was in at the start of the tenancy and not cause damage beyond normal wear and tear.
• Tell your landlord as soon as possible about any damage or repairs that are needed.
• Allow your landlord access they need to carry out repairs.

What are the minimum standards?

The building must meet the following standards:

Structure: must not have damp and must be structurally sound internally and externally.

Water: must provide hot and cold running water. Pipes must be in good condition.

Heating and ventilation: must have proper heating and ventilation that tenants can control. Each bathroom or shower room should have a permanently fixed heater that is properly maintained. The room should be properly ventilated.

Lighting: all habitable rooms must have natural and artificial lighting.

Fire safety: there must be access to a fire blanket, a fire detection and alarm system and emergency evacuation plan (for houses). There must be a fire detection and alarm system, emergency evacuation plan, emergency lighting in all common areas and fire safety equipment that is properly maintained (for multi-unit buildings). Multi-unit buildings contain 2 or more properties that share a common access.

Carbon monoxide safety: must have carbon monoxide detectors and alarms (where needed).

Gas and electricity safety: electrical wiring and gas pipes must be in good condition.

Windows: above 1400mm must have safety restrictors to prevent falls. Avoid using window opening sections with restrictors that can only be released using removable keys or other tools.

Bins: must have access to proper bin storage facilities. Measures must be taken to prevent vermin and pest infestations.

Appliances: must be safe and working. You must have access to a washing machine or communal washing machine facility and dryer, if no private outdoor space is available.

Cooking and storage: for leases under 10 years, must have cooking facilities (four-ring hob, oven, grill, microwave, fridge freezer, and sink with safe drinking water). Must also have adequate separate storage for food and cleaning products. For leases over 10 years, must allow installation of white goods but are not required to provide them.

Information you must get

Your landlord must give you information about the property, building services, appliances, and how to maintain them.

My rental property does not meet minimum standards

If you are a tenant and you think your property does not meet the minimum standards, you can take the following steps:

1. Tell your landlord in writing. Allow the landlord reasonable time to investigate your concerns and repair the issue.
2. If your landlord does not address the issue, submit a request for dispute resolution to us.
3. You can also contact your local authority to request an inspection if your landlord does not take action to fix the issue.