13 September 2018

Now that the winter season is almost over, it’s time to make sure that all your winter maintenance is done before we enter spring. Both landlords and tenants have tasks they need to complete and it is important to know what is expected of you so you can satisfy your responsibilities.

Responsibilities of the landlord

The landlord of the rental property is responsible for a number of maintenance tasks bothi nside and outside the home. For example, it is the landlord’s job to clean the chimney at least once a year and always after the winter season, and to make sure it is safe. The landlord should also service the property’s ducted heating and ventilation systems to help promote healthy airflow inside the home while also reducing moisture to inhibit the growth of mould. Outside the property, the landlord is responsible for tasks such as washing the house, pruning trees, and cleaning the gutters. If there are any unsafe trees around the property, these should be taken care of as well.

Responsibilities of the tenant

The tenant is responsible for some winter maintenance duties but these tasks are usually done on a more regular basis and are easy to keep on top of. Inside the home, the tenant is responsible for taking care of the day-to-day cleaning of the fireplace, such as sweeping the hearth. The tenant should also make sure to let fresh air into the home on a regular basis to ventilate the property. This needs to be done even in winter when windows and doors can be opened for shorter amounts of time. Outside the property, the tenant is expected to do some regular cleaning, such as washing accessible windows. In general, the tenant must keep the property reasonably tidy and clean.

If you are a tenant, your landlord will need to contact you and liaise with you so they can satisfy their maintenance responsibilities, but they should never just show up at the property without notice. As a landlord, it is important to give your tenant notice of any work or visits to the property to provide them with the peace and privacy they are entitled to.

Sole Agents Ltd. All rights reserved.

Information provided above is for general reference only. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, Sole Agents Ltd disclaims any liability for any loss or damage whats0ever that may arise whether directly or indirectly as a result of any error, inaccuracy or omission.