Last Updated on July 8, 2024
The landlord-tenant relationship is never easy. It feels like most of the time, these two types of people are on completely different sides.
The landlords always complain that the tenants ruin their properties, and the tenants complain that they are always there and don’t let them out of their sight and never fix anything when they have to.
This kind of relationship is hard, but if the two sides follow some rules and fulfil their obligations toward one another, they could get along just fine.
So, let’s see what the landlord’s responsibilities to their tenants are.
Table of Contents
Respect tenant’s privacy
As a landlord, it’s essential to remember that your tenants are your clients and respecting their rights and personal space is crucial for maintaining a positive and long-lasting relationship.
Establishing clear boundaries can help you retain your renters, so providing adequate notice before visiting their property is essential.
The standard notice period varies depending on the state but is generally around 24-48 hours. By giving your tenants enough notice, you show that you value their privacy and give them the time they need to prepare for your visit.
In addition, as a landlord, you must ensure that the tenant’s personal information is kept confidential and only used for legitimate purposes, such as conducting a reference check. Compliance with all applicable privacy laws is also mandatory.
Safety standards
To ensure the safety and security of your tenants, it’s essential to provide adequate security measures on the property. This includes installing proper locks on all external doors and windows and providing a secure entry system for the building.
You should also ensure that the property is well-lit inside and outside. Provide clear instructions on using any security measures and ensure that the tenants can access emergency services if required.
Give the tenant some information
You must provide certain information to fulfil your tenants’ responsibilities correctly. As no building is perfect, being transparent with your tenants about any issues or maintenance requirements is essential.
Additionally, landlords in Australia must provide a Building Energy Efficiency Certificate, which shows the property’s energy efficiency. By providing a copy of the certificate to your tenants, you can help them understand the property’s energy usage and efficiency.
Take care of the repairs
As a landlord, you are responsible for ensuring that the property is in good repair. This includes maintaining the property’s structure, fixtures, and fittings in good working order. If any repairs are needed, they should be carried out promptly and efficiently.
It is also important to ensure that the property is kept clean and tidy, both inside and out. Regular maintenance of the property can help prevent the need for costly repairs in the future.
Respond to tenant requests and complaints
A good landlord should respond promptly and efficiently to tenant requests and complaints. This includes addressing any maintenance issues promptly and providing clear and accurate information when required.
If a tenant has a complaint or dispute with the landlord, the landlord should seek to resolve the issue through open communication and negotiation. The tenant can also seek assistance from the relevant tenancy tribunal or court if necessary.
Provide adequate notice of changes
It’s important to provide adequate notice if you wish to terminate a tenancy or change the tenancy agreement.
It’s essential to follow proper legal procedures and treat your tenants with respect, even if you have different property plans or don’t like your tenants. If you’re unsure about the notice period required, it’s always a good idea to seek legal advice.
Ensure you follow all legal requirements and protect yourself in any potential legal situations.
Understand tenancy laws and regulations
A landlord must understand their state or territory’s relevant tenancy laws and regulations. This includes the Residential Tenancies Act and any local by-laws that may apply. Failure to comply with these laws can result in significant penalties and fines.
It’s also essential to ensure that the tenancy agreement complies with the law and includes all necessary clauses and provisions to protect you and the tenant.
Be correct about the rent
The rent is practically your payment for the use of your property. It has to be paid on time, according to the lease agreement. When the tenants give it to you, you’re obligated to take it, and you don’t have the right to demand to get it earlier than expected.
A landlord must provide a fair and reasonable rent for the property. This means ensuring that the rent charged aligns with market rates for similar properties in the same area.
If you wish to increase the rent, you must provide adequate notice to the tenant, which will vary depending on the state or territory. The rent increase must also comply with regulations and be reasonable to the property’s condition and market value.
End of lease cleaning
At the end of a tenancy, the landlord may require the tenant to conduct an end of lease cleaning. This ensures that the property is left in the same condition as it was at the start of the tenancy.
The landlord must provide the tenant with a clear list of cleaning requirements and ensure that he has adequate time to complete the cleaning.
The tenant may do all the cleaning themselves or engage a professional end of lease cleaner. If a pro is engaged, the landlord must ensure they are qualified and licensed to do the work.
Return of bond
When a tenant vacates the property, the landlord must return the bond money within a reasonable time frame. In most cases, this will be within 14 days of the end of the tenancy.
The landlord must provide the tenant with a statement of account showing any deductions made from the bond money.
If the tenant disagrees with the deductions made, they may dispute them through the relevant tribunal or court.
The bottom line
Being a landlord can be a challenging job with significant responsibilities to tenants. It’s essential to balance patience, firmness, and understanding to create a positive and long-lasting relationship with your tenants while protecting your interests and rights.
These responsibilities include providing a safe and habitable property, complying with tenancy laws and regulations, responding promptly to tenant requests and complaints, and providing fair rent and rent increases.
By understanding and fulfilling these obligations, you can establish trust with your tenants and ensure a smooth tenancy experience for both parties.
