In the world of media and television shows Do-It-Yourself home repairs, maintenance and renovations is a hot topic. Many home owners are choosing to undertake this style work themselves instead of engaging professionals.
However, the reality in the world of managing investment properties is a completely different scenario. When owning an investment property, property investors and managing agents have a duty of care to the tenant to ensure that all repairs, maintenance and renovations are undertaken by a professional, licensed and insured tradesperson.
There have been many documented legal cases over the years of landlords attending to their own repairs and maintenance, which has resulted in fatal injuries to the tenant.
One that was heart-breaking involved an uninsured person who attended a rental property to rewire the stove. The wires were crossed causing the entire house’s electrical wiring system to become live.
Sadly, a young child turned on an outside tap following the work and was electrocuted causing serious brain damage.
As your managing agent it is important for all clients are aware that we are not only bound by our duty of care to tenants to mitigate potential risk, but we also have to comply with legislative requirements and our professional indemnity insurance provisions to ensure that only licensed and insured tradespeople attend to works at a rental property.
We do appreciate that it is your investment property and it is important to manage expenses carefully, however, as your managing agent we cannot allow property owners/clients, friends or relatives who do not hold the necessary qualifications or documentation to conduct work on the property for the safety and protection of all parties involved.
You should also consider the tax benefits of having a tax invoice for all repairs and maintenance.
If you are unsure of your rights and obligations as a Property Owner we recommend you obtain a copy of The Rental Guide: A Guide For Property Owners, Property Managers, Tenants, And Tenant Advocates, available to purchase from Service Tasmania, or download a copy from the Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading website.
