Consumer Protection says Perth’s tight rental market does not mean tenants should accept living in a home that is falling into disrepair, nor tolerate surprise visits by their landlords.
In a statement, the Agency said that, last year, it had received 188 complaints relating to repair and maintenance issues and 29 complaints about unexpected visits, which were illegal.
“When it comes to surprise visits, our complaints reveal claims of landlords and agents turning up unannounced for a variety of reasons, including maintenance issues and rent collection,” it said.
“While there are separate rules relating to emergency or urgent repairs, generally a tenant should be given seven to 14 days’ notice and be provided with a notification that sets out the mutually-agreed day and time and reasons for the inspections, which are limited to four a year.”
Consumer Protection said tenants should never allow surprise visits, even if it was convenient, as it could happen again.
“In these situations, tenants should state clearly that it must not happen again and insist the proper process be carried out next time,” it said.
“There is a formal notice that tenants can issue to the owner or agent stating a breach of the tenancy agreement has occurred.
“In addition to respecting their tenant’s right to privacy, landlords are also responsible for providing a safe and healthy environment and to attend to any maintenance and repair issues promptly.”
The Agency said inspections of some of the privately-managed properties subject to tenant complaints had uncovered cracked or boarded-up windows, gaps around window frames wide enough to fit an arm through, fire damage leaving a home without a functioning kitchen and infestations of rats and cockroaches.
“Tenants in these situations are reminded they can breach the landlord for failing to carry out urgent or essential repairs and, if the matter goes to court, tenants may be released from their rental contract obligations and even be awarded compensation,” Consumer Protection said.
