You are responsible for keeping your property and grounds clean and tidy as outlined in your DRA. If the property is not being properly maintained, we will notify you and ask that you bring it up to the required standard.
Fair wear-and-tear
We recognise that over time some deterioration will occur due to normal use of the property and ageing. This is called ‘fair wear-and-tear’.
Non-fair wear-and-tear
Any damage caused through mistreatment or neglect, including pet damage, is considered non-fair wear-and- tear and is your responsibility to repair. For further information on your responsibilities for the ongoing condition of the property, refer to the non-fair wear-and-tear matrix in your DRA (Annexure A).
If damage has occurred to the property, your Property Manager can discuss with you how the repairs will be undertaken, the cost of the repairs, and the means of payment.
If you arrange or carry out any work on the property, it must be to a professional standard.
Repairs that are not rectified to a professional standard will be identified as a tenant charge.
Condensation and Mould
Mould related health impacts are uncommon in normal indoor environments; however mould exposure can result in adverse health effects to some individuals. It can also cause damage to the property. Follow these tips for preventing mould:
- improve ventilation by opening windows and doors whenever possible
- always use exhaust fans when showering or cooking to extract steam and condensation
- make sure that clothes and shoes are dry before putting them away in wardrobes
- allow sunlight into rooms as often as possible
- wash off any sign of mould growth on walls, ceilings and furniture with a mould cleaning solution
- report any suspected water leaks promptly to DHA
For more information on mould in your home, refer to Mould | Defence Housing Australia (dha.gov.au)
Maintenance of grounds, lawns and gardens
It is your responsibility to maintain the grounds, lawns and gardens in accordance with your DRA and any by-laws or local council/authority rules that apply.
Water restrictions
When you vacate the property, DHA will use discretion based on local restrictions when discussing occupant charges relating to the care of lawns and gardens.
The status of water restrictions is not a reason for exemption from any tenant charges where it is identified that there has been neglect in the care of lawns and gardens.
You should be aware that:
- it is your responsibility to obtain the information required in relation to water restriction times
- in areas under water restrictions, you are required to water during specified hours to keep lawns and gardens alive and well maintained
- in areas where there are total bans on watering, lawns and gardens are to be kept tidy and you must remove dead litter.
Fire hazards
It is your responsibility to remove any undergrowth that could be a potential fire hazard including dead vegetation and leaves.
Bins and rubbish collection
In most areas local councils supply bins to the property however the maintenance of these bins is your responsibility.
If you need to replace a bin, you should contact the local government authority. Depending on the circumstances, you may be liable for the replacement costs levied by the local government authority.
We also recommend that bins are secured when they are not being emptied.
Information on rubbish collection in your area including bin days will be available through your local council website.
Pest control
The day-to-day control of household pests (cockroaches, spiders, ants etc) is your responsibility. The presence of a small number of household pests is not regarded as an infestation.
If you identify a significant pest infestation within six weeks of moving into the property, please raise an enquiry in Online Services.
If a local government authority determines a plague movement resulting in a pest infestation, please raise an enquiry in Online Services for assistance.
Preventing termite damage to the property
If you detect termite activity at the property, please report this to DHA immediately.
To prevent termite damage, you should:
- Ensure any leaking pipes, drains, HWS, gutters or signs of dampness are reported
- Ensure you keep weep holes clear
- Do not place temporary garden beds against the property
- Avoid storing unused timbers and firewood near the property
Your property may be subject to annual pest inspection.
Picture hooks
As outlined in your DRA, a reasonable number of picture hooks may be fitted in the property. One hook per linear metre of wall would be considered reasonable.
Please ensure you are using the appropriate type of picture hook. Sticky hooks and adhesives should not be used due to the risk of damage upon removal.
Picture hooks used appropriately (as described above) do not need to be removed upon vacating. Any damage caused by the removal of picture hooks including sticky hooks and adhesives, is considered non-fair wear-and-tear and will require repairs to return the property to its original condition.