The Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Trish Blake has urged renters not to put up with sub-standard accommodation.
“A tight rental market doesn’t mean tenants should accept living in homes that are falling into disrepair, have mould or electrical safety issues,” Ms Blake said.
“So far this year, Consumer Protection has received 367 enquiries and 32 complaints about rental repair and maintenance issues, but we suspect these figures are only a small proportion of the actual number of tenants experiencing such problems.”
She said due to the low vacancy rates, some tenants might feel trapped in sub-standard properties and afraid to voice their concerns out of fear of being unable to find another place to live.
“While we understand these anxieties, we still urge tenants to learn about their rights or contact us so that we may try to help them resolve the problems,” Ms Blake said.
“Landlords are duty-bound to promptly attend to any maintenance or repair issues, as well as to provide a safe and healthy environment for their tenants.”
She was concerned at incidents of electrical hazards listed among some of the issues reported to Consumer Protection.
“If tenants experience any shocks, tingles or other serious electrical safety issues in their rental home, they should immediately contact their network operator (likely either Western Power or Horizon Power) before alerting their landlord, property manager or other Government Agency,” Ms Blake said.
“Harmful black mould is another health hazard to watch out for, particularly as we head into the wetter months.”
She said a landlord could be in breach of a rental agreement if mould developed due to a lack of maintenance or repairs, while a tenant could be in breach if they failed to keep the property reasonably clean, dry and well ventilated.
“Tenants facing repair or maintenance issues that could cause them harm or undue hardship are reminded they can breach the landlord for failing to carry out urgent or essential repairs,” Ms Blake said.
“If the matter goes to court, tenants may be released from their rental contract obligations and even be awarded compensation.”
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