The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (RTA) is the law governing residential tenancies. Here is a brief summary of the landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities.
The landlord MUST:
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provide and maintain the house in a reasonable condition
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allow the tenant quiet enjoyment of the house
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pay rates, land tax, insurance etc
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lodge any bond taken with the Department of Building and Housing Bond Centre within 23 working days
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give 60 days written notice of a rent increase
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give 48 Hours notice of inspection
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give 24 Hours notice of entry to repair.
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The tenant MUST:
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pay the rent on time
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keep the house reasonably clean and tidy
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tell the landlord as soon as possible of any damage or repairs needed — giving notices in writing will protect the tenant if it's suggested later that the landlord was not informed
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pay the electricity, gas, phone bills
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allow the landlord reasonable access
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not interfere with the quiet enjoyement
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The landlord must NOT:
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ask for more than 2 weeks in advance or ask for more rent before any rent is paid is used up
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inspect the Property more than once in 4 weeks
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interfere with gas, water, or electricity supply
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unreasonably withhold permission for a tenant to sublet or transfer the tenancy to someone else
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unreasonably withhold permission for a tenant to attach any fixtures
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change the locks without tenants' consent.
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The tenant must NOT:
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damage or permit damage to the house
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disturb the neighbours or the landlord's other tenants
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exceed any limit set by the landlord on the number of occupants in the house
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make alterations to the house without the landlords written consent
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sublet or transfer the tenancy to someone else without first getting the landlords written consent
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change the locks without the landlords permission
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