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Maintenance Guide for Tenants

Everything a tenant needs to know with regards to what to do and what not to do when it comes to the upkeep of their property.

Everything a tenant needs to know with regards to what to do and what not to do when it comes to the upkeep of their property.

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TABLE OF<br />

CONTENTS<br />

1. What is mould and why does it occur?<br />

2. Rights and Responsibilities<br />

3. What are the health problems from mould?<br />

4. How to prevent Mould<br />

5. 3 Non-Toxic Natural Cleaners<br />

6. Changing a Light Bulb<br />

7. Batteries and Smoke Alarms<br />

8. Lawns and Gardens<br />

9. Telephone, TV and Internet Connections<br />

10. Air-Conditioning Servicing<br />

11. Pest Control<br />

12. General Care Instructions<br />

Page<br />

3<br />

4<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8 - 9<br />

11<br />

12<br />

13<br />

14<br />

15<br />

17<br />

18<br />

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1. WHAT IS MOULD AND<br />

WHY DOES IT OCCUR?<br />

Mould is part of a group of<br />

very common organisms called<br />

fungi that also include<br />

mushrooms and yeast. It is<br />

present virtually everywhere,<br />

both indoors and outdoors.<br />

Mould may grow indoors in wet or<br />

moist areas lacking adequate<br />

ventilation, including walls, wallpaper,<br />

ceilings, bathroom tiles, carpets,<br />

insulation material and wood. If<br />

moisture accumulates in a building<br />

mould growth will often occur.<br />

The at times, extreme weather<br />

conditions Sydney’s is known <strong>for</strong> can<br />

have an effect on the levels of mould<br />

we are experiencing. Mould can grow<br />

on mass within days if it has the right<br />

environment.<br />

see mould start to grow on walls,<br />

benches and other surfaces because<br />

of the wet air.<br />

Drying clothes indoors on clothes lines<br />

or stands is a common culprit when it<br />

comes to causes of indoor humidity<br />

problems.<br />

Sometimes people use humidifiers in<br />

their homes. But there are moulds<br />

that only need the humidity level to<br />

be higher than 55% to start growing.<br />

So, if you need to use a humidifier in<br />

your home make sure to keep the<br />

humidity below 55%.<br />

Moisture is really the key cause of<br />

mould growth. If the weather's been<br />

very humid <strong>for</strong> a few days in a row<br />

you might notice mould starting to<br />

grow in your home. When it rains <strong>for</strong><br />

several days it's especially common to<br />

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2. RIGHTS AND<br />

RESPONSIBILITIES<br />

The Landlord must:<br />

• Provide the premises ‘reasonably’<br />

clean and fit to live in. You are<br />

provided a Condition Report at the<br />

beginning of your tenancy. It will be<br />

noted on this if there are any signs<br />

of mould and dampness<br />

• Keep the premises in ‘reasonable’<br />

repair (except where the disrepair is<br />

caused by the tenant breaching the<br />

tenancy agreement)<br />

• Mitigate loss, eg. promptly fixing<br />

damage to a bathroom wall be<strong>for</strong>e<br />

mould growth can set in<br />

The Tenant must:<br />

• Keep the premises ‘reasonably’ clean<br />

and provide adequate ventilation.<br />

• Tell the landlord about any damage<br />

to the premises as soon as possible<br />

Who is responsible?<br />

Deciding who is responsible <strong>for</strong><br />

cleaning mould depends on how it<br />

appeared in the first place.<br />

Generally, if the mould is a result of<br />

problems with the property (e.g. a<br />

leaking roof) it is the property<br />

manager/owner’s responsibility to<br />

clean the mould and make any<br />

necessary repairs.<br />

If the tenant causes the mould, they<br />

are responsible <strong>for</strong> cleaning it and<br />

paying <strong>for</strong> any damage caused.<br />

• Mitigate loss – take reasonable steps<br />

to limit or avoid loss eg. avoiding<br />

damage to their clothes by removing<br />

them from a built-in wardrobe where<br />

mould is growing.<br />

Example. If the tenant allows steam<br />

to build up in the bathroom without<br />

property ventilation and/or regular<br />

cleaning, resulting in mould<br />

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5


3.WHAT ARE THE HEALTH<br />

PROBLEMS FROM MOULD<br />

In order to reproduce, mould<br />

produces tiny particles called<br />

spores. Spores are carried in<br />

the air and may cause health<br />

problems if inhaled by people<br />

who are sensitive or allergic to<br />

them.<br />

These include a running or blocked<br />

nose, irritation of the eyes and skin<br />

and sometimes wheezing.<br />

Occasionally, people may have more<br />

severe reactions. Very rarely, people<br />

may develop a mould infection,<br />

usually in the lungs. It is important to<br />

note that most people will not<br />

experience any health problems from<br />

coming in contact with mould.<br />

For people with asthma, inhaling<br />

mould spores may cause an asthma<br />

attack.<br />

If you or your family members suffer<br />

health problems after coming into<br />

contact with mould, contact your<br />

doctor. In the case of a lifethreatening<br />

emergency, phone 000.<br />

Who is at greatest risk of<br />

health problems from contact<br />

with mould?<br />

People with asthma, allergies, or other<br />

breathing conditions may be more<br />

sensitive to mould. People with<br />

weakened immune systems (such as<br />

people with HIV infection, cancer<br />

patients taking chemotherapy or<br />

people who have received an organ<br />

transplant) and with chronic lung<br />

diseases (such as Chronic Obstructive<br />

Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and<br />

emphysema) are more at risk of mould<br />

infection particularly in their lungs.<br />

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4.HOW TO PREVENT<br />

MOULD<br />

Although mould can be found<br />

almost anywhere, it needs<br />

moisture and nutrients to<br />

grow. The key to preventing<br />

mould growth is reducing<br />

dampness in the home. This<br />

can be done by:<br />

Maintaining proper ventilation<br />

Turn on exhaust fans, particularly<br />

when bathing, showering, cooking,<br />

doing laundry and drying clothes.<br />

Open windows when weather permits,<br />

to improve cross ventilation.<br />

Allow maximum fresh air and<br />

Sunlight into the premises whenever<br />

possible<br />

Reduce humidity<br />

Maintain humidity levels below 55%,<br />

dehumidifiers are ideal<br />

Limit the number of fish tanks and<br />

indoor plants.<br />

Limit use of unflued gas heaters<br />

Controlling moisture/dampness<br />

Report all water leaks and plumbing<br />

problems including, leaking roof or<br />

blocked rain gutters.<br />

If water enters your home, completely<br />

clean and dry water-damaged carpets<br />

and building materials. Discard<br />

material that cannot be cleaned and<br />

dried completely.<br />

Cleaning<br />

Vacuum the premises thoroughly on a<br />

weekly basis, especially in bedrooms<br />

Do not place wet items in cupboards<br />

or on the floor<br />

Minimise clutter to allow maximum<br />

airflow.<br />

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5. THREE NON-TOXIC<br />

NATURAL CLEANERS<br />

You will need the following<br />

supplies:<br />

Hydrogen peroxide<br />

Scrub brush<br />

Rubber gloves to protect your hands<br />

Vinegar<br />

Spray bottle<br />

1. Hydrogen Peroxide<br />

Hydrogen peroxide is an anti-fungal,<br />

anti-viral and anti-bacterial solution<br />

that kills mould<br />

effectively on a<br />

variety of materials<br />

such as kitchen<br />

appliances, bathroom<br />

fixtures, floors and walls.<br />

2. Vinegar<br />

Vinegar is a mild acid which can kill<br />

82% of mould species. (Baking soda is<br />

often used along with vinegar <strong>for</strong><br />

killing different species of mould).<br />

To kill mould: Use white distilled<br />

vinegar and pour it into a spray bottle<br />

without watering it down. Spray the<br />

vinegar onto the mouldy surface and<br />

leave it to sit <strong>for</strong> an hour. Finally, wipe<br />

the area clean with water and allow<br />

the surface to dry. Any smell from the<br />

vinegar should clear within a few<br />

hours.<br />

To kill mould: Pour 3% concentration<br />

hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle.<br />

Saturate the mouldy surface<br />

completely and leave it to sit <strong>for</strong> 10<br />

minutes.<br />

Next, scrub the area to remove all of<br />

the mould and mould stains. And<br />

finally, wipe the surface down to<br />

remove residual mould and spores.<br />

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5. THREE NON-TOXIC<br />

NATURAL CLEANERS CONT.<br />

3. Baking Soda<br />

Baking soda is a mild, white mineral<br />

powder, that can be used to kill mould<br />

in your home, plus it is safe <strong>for</strong> your<br />

family and pets. Besides killing mould,<br />

it will absorb moisture to help keep<br />

mould away.<br />

To kill mould: Add one quarter of a<br />

tablespoon of baking soda to a spray<br />

bottle of water and shake until it has<br />

dissolved. Spray the mouldy area with<br />

the baking soda and water solution,<br />

then use a scrub brush to remove all<br />

the mould from the surface. Next,<br />

rinse the surface with water to<br />

remove any residual mould on the<br />

surface.<br />

Finally, spray the area again and let<br />

the surface dry. (This will kill any leftover<br />

mould and prevent the mould<br />

from returning).<br />

Summary<br />

All of these solutions are great nontoxic<br />

alternatives to chemical based<br />

cleaners. Not only because they are<br />

safe to use and safe <strong>for</strong> the<br />

environment, but all of these products<br />

are inexpensive and easy to find in<br />

your local store.<br />

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10


6. CHANGING LIGHT<br />

BULBS<br />

The tenant is responsible <strong>for</strong> all<br />

minor maintenance updates<br />

within the property. This<br />

includes the changing of light<br />

globes.<br />

<strong>Tenants</strong> are also required to leave the<br />

property in the same condition when<br />

they vacate, so if all the light bulbs<br />

were working then they will be<br />

required to ensure they are still<br />

functioning when they leave.<br />

There can be some cases when it’s<br />

“prudent” <strong>for</strong> the landlord to take<br />

charge with the light bulbs. This would<br />

usually be in situations with unusually<br />

high ceilings or difficult access that<br />

could prove a danger to the tenant.<br />

Those over the age of 65, or who have<br />

a disability and no one to help, can call<br />

upon the Smoke Alarm and Battery<br />

Replacement Service provided by NSW<br />

Fire and Rescue.<br />

NOTE: Ensure all light bulbs are<br />

working when you vacate to avoid<br />

paying <strong>for</strong> the replacement of them.<br />

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7. BATTERIES AND SMOKE<br />

ALARMS<br />

Since 2006, smoke alarms<br />

have been mandatory in all<br />

homes and other shared<br />

accommodation buildings<br />

where people sleep.<br />

Landlords are required to install,<br />

maintain and repair smoke alarms.<br />

What about Batteries in all<br />

other devices?<br />

The tenant also agrees to replace<br />

batteries as needed in all other<br />

devices such as air conditioning<br />

remotes, garage door openers, any<br />

remotes supplied as a function of<br />

operation within the property.<br />

NOTE: Ensure all batteries are working<br />

when you vacate a property to avoid<br />

being charged the cost to replace<br />

them.<br />

The tenant agrees not to remove or<br />

interfere with the operation of a<br />

smoke alarm installed on the<br />

residential premises unless they have<br />

a reasonable excuse to do so. They<br />

also agree that it is the tenant’s<br />

responsibility to replace light globes<br />

<strong>for</strong> all smoke detectors on the<br />

residential premises.<br />

NOTE: Landlords have the right of<br />

access to rented premises to fit or<br />

maintain smoke alarms after giving<br />

the tenant at least 2 days’ notice.<br />

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8. LAWNS AND<br />

GARDENS<br />

What is the tenant’s<br />

responsibility to maintain?<br />

Unless your tenancy agreement says<br />

otherwise, you can safely assume you<br />

(as the tenant) are responsible <strong>for</strong><br />

mowing and edging the lawns,<br />

watering, weeding, pruning and<br />

fertilising – all chores which could be<br />

termed ‘garden maintenance.’<br />

As a tenant, you are ultimately<br />

responsible <strong>for</strong> ensuring the garden is<br />

maintained to the standard set at the<br />

beginning of the tenancy. This will be<br />

detailed in the ingoing and outgoing<br />

inspection report and with<br />

photographs. If the garden is neglected<br />

the landlord reserves the right to<br />

assume control at the tenant’s<br />

expense.<br />

Your landlord will generally be<br />

responsible <strong>for</strong> things such as providing<br />

hoses and sprinklers, maintaining the<br />

reticulation system, cleaning gutters and<br />

tree lopping.<br />

While a landlord is responsible <strong>for</strong><br />

maintaining gutters, tenants have a<br />

responsibility to report any issues such<br />

as blockages or breaks. <strong>Maintenance</strong> of<br />

gutters is an important aspect of<br />

protecting your building as broken or<br />

blocked gutters can quickly lead to roof<br />

and wall damage.<br />

If the tenant puts trampolines, boats,<br />

or other semi-permanent items on the<br />

lawns or garden beds, they agree to<br />

bear the cost of any lawn or garden<br />

rectification work required.<br />

13


9.TELEPHONE, TV AND<br />

INTERNET CONNECTIONS<br />

A landlord is not required to<br />

provide telephone, television<br />

and internet connections with<br />

the premises.<br />

However, existing phone/TV/internet<br />

sockets are facilities provided with the<br />

premises <strong>for</strong> use of the tenant. As<br />

such, the landlord is obliged to ensure<br />

such facilities are in reasonable<br />

condition and to maintain them.<br />

enquiries as to the availability and<br />

adequacy of such services be<strong>for</strong>e<br />

accepting the tenancy of the property.<br />

The landlord does not warrant that any<br />

telephone plugs, antenna sockets or other<br />

such service points located in the property<br />

are serviceable, or will otherwise meet<br />

the requirements of the tenant, and<br />

tenants must rely on their own enquiries.<br />

The tenant acknowledges that the<br />

availability of telephone lines; internet<br />

services; analogue, digital or cable<br />

television (and the adequacy of such<br />

New connections<br />

If you want a new connection installed,<br />

you must have the landlord’s consent.<br />

You will have to pay <strong>for</strong> installation. You<br />

services); are the sole responsibility of the<br />

pay <strong>for</strong> repairs to connections you have<br />

tenant and they should make their own<br />

installed.<br />

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10. AIR CONDITIONING<br />

SERVICING<br />

The Tenant responsible <strong>for</strong><br />

maintaining any heating,<br />

cooling or air conditioning<br />

equipment and keeping it in<br />

good repair.<br />

The tenant agrees to regularly clean<br />

any filter/intake ducts that may<br />

become dusty, no less than quarterly.<br />

However, any other repairs that are<br />

required fall under the Landlords<br />

responsibility to repair. Unless the airconditioner<br />

was damage due to<br />

your lack of care, and the landlord has<br />

given you a notice to fix the damage.<br />

A broken air-conditioner is considered<br />

an urgent repair. There<strong>for</strong>e, we are<br />

required to have the issue seen to<br />

within a reasonable amount of time.<br />

NOTE: Unclean filters directly impact<br />

a unit’s ability to work correctly.<br />

Should you request a service to treat<br />

a unit not heating or cooling correctly<br />

and it’s found the filters have not<br />

been cleaned the tenant will be liable<br />

<strong>for</strong> the cost.<br />

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11. PEST CONTROL<br />

Be<strong>for</strong>e you move in<br />

The landlord is responsible <strong>for</strong> the<br />

eradication of pests if the infestation<br />

occurs at the start of the tenancy<br />

generally within the first 5 weeks.<br />

<strong>Tenants</strong> should inspect the property<br />

carefully and look out <strong>for</strong> signs of<br />

pests including droppings in<br />

cupboards and on floors.<br />

After you move in<br />

As a tenant, you are responsible <strong>for</strong> the<br />

eradication of pests if the infestation<br />

occurs after you have moved in and if<br />

the infestation was caused by your<br />

activities or lack of cleanliness.<br />

If you believe that the infestation was<br />

not caused by your activities or lack of<br />

cleanliness, then you may not be held<br />

responsible <strong>for</strong> pest eradication if you<br />

can show the landlord is in breach of the<br />

tenancy agreement.<br />

If a tenant believes the infestation was<br />

not caused by their activities or lack of<br />

cleanliness, the tenant must show that:<br />

1. The landlord is in breach of the tenancy<br />

agreement e.g. by not offering the<br />

property in a clean and safe condition at<br />

the start of the tenancy, and<br />

2. This breach caused the pest problem<br />

Pests and vermin Landlord’ responsibility Tenant’s responsibility<br />

Ants if present at the start of the tenancy if present during the tenancy<br />

Bees and wasps<br />

if present in a wall cavity or similar<br />

if present at the start of the tenancy<br />

Birds to remove and seal off any entry points -<br />

Cockroaches, fleas and spiders if present at the start of the tenancy<br />

if present during the tenancy<br />

if present during the tenancy<br />

Mice and rats if present at the start of the tenancy if present during the tenancy<br />

Possums to remove and seal off any entry points -<br />

Snakes<br />

if present at the start of the tenancy<br />

if caused by the landlord breaching the<br />

conditions of the agreement – eg.landlord<br />

left piles of rubbish in garden<br />

Termites/white ants at the start and throughout the tenancy -<br />

if present during the tenancy<br />

17


12. GENERAL CARE<br />

INSTRUCTIONS<br />

BLIND CORDS: Ensure all blind cords are<br />

to be kept out of reach of children.<br />

DISHWASHER: Cleaning the filter<br />

regularly. If it requires repair due to<br />

neglect, the tenant will wear the cost.<br />

POT PLANTS: No plants shall be placed<br />

on carpets or timber floors.<br />

HOOKS / ADHESIVES / NAILS: Tapes,<br />

blu-tac, or similar adhesives are not to<br />

be applied to any surfaces without<br />

written permission.<br />

INFLATABLE POOLS: Due to swimming<br />

pool laws, the use of inflatable pools,<br />

baby and shell pools is prohibited.<br />

EXHAUST VENTS: You must regularly<br />

clean any vents/filters/intake ducts.<br />

FIREPLACE: Do NOT use without written<br />

permission. If given, use a fire screen to<br />

protect flooring from burns and ash.<br />

FLOORBOARDS: The Tenant agrees to<br />

put protective felt under furniture legs<br />

to protect the timber floors.<br />

GARAGE: Is only <strong>for</strong> the use of motor<br />

vehicles. The storage of personal<br />

items is done at the tenant’s own risk.<br />

KITCHEN BENCHTOP: Cutting boards<br />

are to be used on kitchen benches at all<br />

times. The tenant is liable <strong>for</strong> any<br />

damage caused to them.<br />

OPEN DRAINS: Regular cleaning of all<br />

open drains by the tenant, keeping<br />

them free of leaves and debris.<br />

SMOKING: This is a non-smoking<br />

property. The tenant and guests agree<br />

to refrain from smoking.<br />

NOTE: Repairs arising out of the<br />

failure to regularly clean or properly<br />

care <strong>for</strong> any appliance or deemed<br />

unnecessary e.g. user error, will be at<br />

the tenants’ expense.<br />

18


WITH<br />

COMPLIMENTS<br />

9968 1700<br />

rentals@c21living.com.au<br />

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