If your investment property has been affected by natural disaster, it is vital as a landlord, that you know what your rights and responsibilities are.
Fair Trading NSW has prepared the following information for landlords, in the event of disaster such as floods, bushfire and storm damage etc.
- If your investment property is destroyed or unfit to live in, the lease has effectively ended
- The tenant should be issued with a notice to immediately vacate the property
- Landlords are not legally obligated to provide tenants with alternative accommodation
- Landlords are responsible for cleaning debris caused by a disaster
- Contact emergency services before cleaning as they may already have a cleaning program in place
- Tenants are responsible for any cleaning required as a result of their use of the property
- Landlords are responsible for repairing the property if utility services have been cut off
- Tenants have a right to apply to a tribunal for reduction in rent, if some of the property has been damaged
- Landlords cannot claim bond money to cover damage caused by disaster
- Tenants are responsible for their possessions destroyed or damaged by natural disaster
- Landlords can inspect the property if the tenants are still living there, provided the appropriate notice is given
- If the property has been destroyed, damaged or unfit to live in, landlords can inspect it at any time, with the permission of local authorities
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