RECENT COURT RULINGS… IMPORTANCE OF PROMPTLY RESPONDING TO MAINTENANCE

There have been two recent court rulings [published in the media] that impact the management of rental properties.

Firstly, tenants contacted their property manager with concerns about faulty power-points, which was not actioned in a timely manner, resulting in the unit catching fire.  The tenants won a large compensation claim for damage of personal effects and relocation costs.

Secondly, a tenant complained about a leaking tap in the bathroom shower, which was not actioned for six months.  Finally, the plumber turned up and it was not an easy fix, as damage had been caused behind the wall cavity. The plumber fixed the issue by cutting a hole in the wall and then left the property, stating that it was a handyman or plasters role to fix the hole. Three days later and a handyman did not show up.  The tenants cleaned up the mess of dust through the house to then discover that the walls and cavity were asbestos.  The tenants were told not to enter the house again and a removalist was called.

Areas of immediate concern: electrical faults, leaks, dry rot, locks not working at the property, ripples in carpet, dangerous obstructions on the property, just to name a few.

Reference: PPM Group Newsletter