One of the most common quandaries every tenant and landlord finds themselves in is, "Who should foot the bill when it comes to repairs and maintenance?"
As a tenant, you might be wondering,
At what point should I stop fiddling with the wrench and call in a professional?
Or as a landlord, you might be thinking,
When should I be reaching out to Mr Emergency for my properties?
Well, the good news is that you'll find everything in this blog post.
The Tipping Point between DIY and Dialling a Pro
Let's say you've spotted a leaky tap in your rental unit.
Should you handle it yourself, or should you notify your landlord?
Especially when you’re renting, always choose the latter - notifying your landlord.
A wrongly fitted washer or a valve sealed too tightly could lead to more significant issues.
Think burst pipes, water damage, and a hefty repair bill landing in your landlord's lap.
The Landlord's Responsibility
As landlords running rental businesses with the possibility of encountering various types of tenants, it's imperative for them to have these three considerations before a potential tenant moves in:
The Lease Agreement
As the lords and ladies of the rental kingdom, landlords provide a functional shelter for kingdom dwellers (tenants, as they are commonly known).
These landlords need to supply property in a state that is liveable, neat as a pin, and decidedly safe.
The constitution of this kingdom?
The lease agreement, a document setting forth the obligations of landlords and their tenants clear as day.
Urgent Vs. Non-Urgent Repairs
Urgent problems like a burst water service, defiance by the refrigerator, or a stubborn clogged drain, the landlord is dutybound to deal with post haste.
On the flip side, non-urgent repairs don't scream for immediate attention like a leaking tap or a loose handle
Fair Wear and Tear
Thinking who'd foot the bill for this not-so-spectacular repair, aka wear and tear?
Our dear landlords draw the short stick here.
Distinguishing between tenant-inflicted damage and fair wear and tear, however, is an art of its own.
The Tenant's Responsibility
As for the tenants, they are mainly concerned with reporting damages and treating a newly rented property like their own.
If the tenant's carelessness strikes, bringing about damage, guess who's picking up the tab?
Exactly - the tenant.
Accidentally broken a window or stuffed up the drain?
Time for the tenant to step up.
Protecting Tenants and Landlords
An accurate "property condition report" stands like a fortress protecting both tenants and landlords.
Conducting inspections throughout the tenancy can further strengthen this fortress, mitigating larger battles down the line.
However, remember that getting the perfect "property condition report" requires the participation and transparency of both the tenant and landlord.
Benefits of Professional Services
When dealing with repairs and maintenance, consulting professional services can prove to be a wise decision.
Let's delve deeper into the myriad advantages this approach offers:
Expertise
It's rather intriguing, but professionals encapsulate an incredible array of expertise and experience, covering all sorts of utility issues!
They've honed their abilities to pinpoint the exact nature of the issue at hand with remarkable accuracy.
Their knack for providing spot-on solutions makes you less likely to face the same bothersome leak again, quelling the chance of incessant recurrence.
Tools and Equipment
Professionals have the right tools and equipment to accurately repair and maintain your rental properties.
DIY methods might not always be effective due to the lack of proper tools or know-how to use them.
Long-term Cost Savings
Delving into your wallet to pay for professional services might initially strike you as burdensome, but take a minute to consider the overall picture!
This effective intervention halts the progress of what could snowball into exorbitant repair costs down the line.
Quite a nifty financial shield, isn't it?
Safety
Handling utility fixtures might involve some risks, such as worsened water leaks, electrical faults, and more.
Professional services guarantee that all work is done safely, reducing the risk of potential hazards.
Efficiency
Professionals can repair and maintain your utility systems promptly.
They are skilled at identifying the cause of any utility issue quickly and fixing it efficiently, saving you time and stress.
Preventive Advice
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Besides fixing the current problem, professional plumbers can offer advice on preventing future leaks.
This can include tips on maintenance, suggesting better plumbing fixtures, or identifying potential issues that might become problematic down the line.
Emergency Services
In case of utility emergencies such as major water leaks, they are ready to do that for you.
They are ready to respond quickly and limit the damage to your property.
Ready to start your rental property journey?
Choosing a professional service like Mr Emergency saves you a lot more than just time and unwanted stress.
It provides a guarantee that the job will be done right the first time, saving you money in the long run.
And remember, ignoring utility issues like a clogged drain can lead to disastrous consequences for your property.
Clear communication between tenants and landlords is critical when dealing with such matters.
Australian rental laws dictate that landlords are responsible for keeping a property in good repair.
However, tenants should still aim to report any issues as soon as they arise.
Clearing up any confusion, and knowing when to bring in professionals such as Mr Emergency, not only solves the problem at hand but also helps build a trusted relationship between you and your landlord or tenant.
