Your Tenancy

Be informed, know your rights and responsibilities. Your responsibilities under Section 40 require you to maintain the premises in a reasonable condition, and the landlord's responsibilities under Section 45 also requiring the same standards. Talk to us or to the Tenancy Services for further information.

Unless you are;

• homeless,

• a low income earner,

• at risk from violence or abuse,

• discriminated against,

• in a health and safety risk from your current tenancy and,

• your current accommodation is severely but legally overcrowded,

then the chances are you might not even make it to the waiting list.

But even if you are listed a high priority on the waiting list, there is no guarantee that you will get into a state house. The word is, if you have an accommodation now; think carefully before deciding to move.

If you are a current tenancy holder, make sure you make an inventory stock taking of the premises. Have your landlord or tenancy manager go through with you to inspect the property for damages, wear and tear, and the need for repair. Keep a copy of the same list as the landlord.

When you leave or vacate the premises, make sure you are present in another inspection with the landlord or his/her agent. Make sure there are no additional damages added to the list. The landlord will renovate the premises before renting it again, and you might be surprised with an invoice charged to you for repairs. That is why your list of the inventory stock is required to use against the landlord's claim.

While you are living in the premises, report to the landlord as soon as a damage has occurred whether by accident, or by someone else. Take a photo of the damage, have someone witness the cause of damage, and report it to the police if it was a burglary or invasion. Make sure you obtain a victim's report of your complaint.

If the damage is causing a security risk or a health risk not only to you but also to the neighbours, seek advice from the Tenancy Services if the landlord is not very forth coming. You can dispute liabilities if you didn't cause the damage, and have a witness, and a police report, photos etc.

You have the same right as the landlord to seek orders of the Tribunal not only for compensation of your expenses from repairs, but also for orders for repairs.

By law, the landlord cannot evict you if you have won a claim against him/her. If you don't stand up for your rights and responsibilities, some landlords may take advantage of you.