Problem-free renting

Did you know that, each year, the Department of Building and Housing receives approximately 45,000 applications to the Tenancy Tribunal?

One of the most important ways of avoiding problems is by keeping in regular contact with your landlord and sorting out any problems as soon as they happen.

It’s also important that you understand and follow your legal rights and responsibilities as a tenant under the Residential Tenancies Act.

The Act says you must:

• pay the rent – Even if you’re unhappy about something to do with the place, you still have to pay the rent. It is important that you always pay the rent on time
• keep the place reasonably clean – It doesn’t need to look perfect, but it does need to be reasonable
• tell the landlord if something needs to be fixed – If something breaks down or goes wrong, tell the landlord straight away. It is the landlord’s responsibility to repair and maintain the place. It is your responsibility to tell the landlord about any problems. It’s a good idea to put it in writing for the landlord as well, and keep a copy.
• be a good neighbour – Don’tdisturb other tenants or neighbours­.

It's your home!

The landlord owns the place, but while you rent it, it is your home. This means the landlord has to respect your peace and privacy (this is called quiet enjoyment).

The landlord can come inside, but only at certain times:

• To inspect the place – but no more than once every four weeks and they must give you 48 hours' notice that they are going to do an inspection.
• To fix something – they can come inside to do the repairs after giving you 24 hours' notice.
• In case of emergency – if the landlord wants to come inside for some other reason then they need your permission, otherwise they may be breaking the law. If it happens to you, talk to the Department of Building and Housing.