TENANT'S OBLIGATIONS:

There are obligations for tenants that are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act 1994. These include the following:

S.102 A tenant must not -
(a) use the premises for any illegal purpose.
(b) cause a nuisance by the use of the premises.
(c) interfere with the reasonable peace, comfort or privacy of a neighbour.

S.106 The tenant must -
(a) keep the premises and inclusions reasonably clean, having regard to their condition at the start of the residential tenancy; and
(b) must not intentionally or negligently damage the premises or inclusions.

.106 (3)
At the end of the tenancy, the tenant must leave the premises and inclusions, as far as possible, in the same condition they were in at the start of the tenancy, fair wear and tear excepted.

LESSOR'S OBLIGATIONS

S.99
The Lessor must ensure there is no legal impediment to occupation for the premises by the tenant as a residence for the term of the tenancy.

S.100
The Lessor must ensure the tenant has vacant possession of the premises on the day the tenant is entitled to occupy the premises under the agreement.

S.101
(1) The lessor must take reasonable steps to ensure the tenant has quiet enjoyment of the premises.
(2) The lessor or lessor's agent must not interfere with the reasonable peace, comfort and privacy of the tenant in using the premises.

S.103
(2) At the start of the tenancy, the lessor must ensure -
(a) the premises and inclusions are reasonably clean; and
(b) the premises are fit for the tenant to live in; and
c) the premises and inclusions are in a reasonable state of repair, having regard to the age of, rent payable for, and expected life of, the premises or inclusions.
3) While the tenancy continues, the lessor must -

(a) maintain the premises and inclusions in a reasonable state of repair, having regard to the matters mentioned in subsection (2)(c); and
(b) if the premises include a common area - keep the area reasonably clean.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Always get any verbal promises in writing on the lease at the beginning of the tenancy or in letter form throughout the tenancy.

Do not get a pet without approval in writing or have it listed on your Tenancy Agreement.

Complete a Condition Report and keep it in a safe place.

Remember you are responsible if someone you allow into the premises breaks or damages something, so be choosy about who you invite into your home.

Don't attach any fixtures without written permission and agreement on it's removal.

Pay your rent on time as agreed in your Tenancy Agreement.

If you are in a fixed term tenancy don't leave early without getting prior advice from our Tenancy Advice Workers.