WHAT ARE PROPERTY MANAGERS RESPONSIBLE FOR IN A RENTAL?
- Posted By Prince Lakshman
At times, the relationship between tenants and property managers can be a tricky one. From spats over leaky faucets to fiery conflicts over pest infestation, this duo isn’t always rainbows and unicorns.
Knowing who’s responsible for what can help the tenant-property manager relationship be a healthy one over the course of the lease.
A recent survey conducted by realestate.com.au and Pedestrian.TV reveals that there are five key areas that affect a young Australian renter’s experience. Real estate agents and landlords were said to be the most common thorn in a renter’s side.
The survey findings show that communication issues are often the root of things. This goes to show that building a good rapport with the property manager and having open, honest communication is key. This also usually gives you an edge throughout your tenancy.
Almost 90% of renters considered having good communication with their property managers important.
Some Aussie renters aren’t clear about what falls on their shoulders in terms of general maintenance around the house. When tenants have no idea what they’re responsible for, they leave up property issues to the property agents to deal with, which can cause misunderstandings.
Have you come across mould in your home? It’s gross, but who should get rid of it? 55.2% of respondents believe removing mould is up to the property manager to handle. In reality, dealing with mould is a joint effort.
Mould or mildew caused by faults in gutters or other fixtures is the responsibility of the landlord, so therefore the property manager.
However, mould caused by the tenant failing to air the property properly or keep it in a reasonable state of cleanliness falls on the tenant.
More than 10% of survey respondents think that changing a lightbulb, which is a quick and easy task, is the responsibility of a property manager.
Uninvited guests like cockroaches and mic are pesky. Pests can be a major problem in the home.
Generally, if it can be fairly described as an ‘outbreak’ or ‘infestation’, it’s down to the property manager to get rid of these party crashers.
However, if fleas are roaming around thanks to a beloved pet or pesky pantry moths in the cupboards because tenants aren’t storing food properly, the blame is on the tenant.