Rental Property Maintenance Perth: Landlord & Tenant Responsibilities

Maintenance responsibilities in Perth rentals are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA). Understanding who pays for what prevents disputes and protects both landlords and tenants.

Landlord Responsibilities

Landlords must keep the property in a reasonable state of repair. This includes: fixing structural issues, maintaining plumbing and electrical systems, ensuring hot water and heating work, repairing damage not caused by the tenant, and keeping common areas safe. Emergency repairs (no hot water, burst pipe, failing locks) must be addressed promptly — within 24 hours for true emergencies.

Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants must keep the property clean, report damage promptly, replace consumables (light globes, smoke detector batteries), keep gardens watered (unless landlord provides reticulation), and fix damage they or their guests cause. Minor maintenance like tightening a loose door handle is generally the tenant's responsibility.

Managing Repairs Efficiently

Property managers typically use a network of trusted tradies. If you're a self-managing landlord, building relationships with reliable handymen, plumbers, and electricians saves time and money. Always keep records of all repairs — photos, invoices, and correspondence — for your tax records and protection if disputes arise.