Before entering into a Tenancy Agreement, Landlords and Tenants must understand that they both have obligations and rights. Most residential tenancy disputes arise because one party does not accept their responsibility or recognise the rights of the other party to the agreement.

When an owner provides a residential premises to a tenant it must be handed over in a habitable and reasonable state of cleanliness and repair. During the tenancy the tenant must keep the premises clean and tidy. When they vacate they must leave the property in a similar condition as it was when they first moved in (taking into account fair wear and tear).

Owner Responsibilities:
The owner is required to keep the premises in a reasonable state of repair and must comply with building, health and safety laws. The owner is responsible for the upkeep of the property, eg; plumbing, electrical, cleaning gutters, firebreaks, tree lopping and the maintenance of contents provided, eg; refrigerator, stove, air conditioner, hot water system etc.

Tenant Responsibilities:
The tenant must keep the property clean and must not intentionally or negligently damage the property and must notify the owner within three days if any damage occurs. Tenants are responsible for basic household maintenance, eg; light bulbs, dusting, removing cobwebs, garden maintenance - weeding, pruning, fertilising, watering etc.

Source: Ministry of Fair Trading "Tenancy Notes"