Helpful hints

[Print-friendly version]

Helpful Hints to Avoid Tenancy Problems

When you move into a house or flat, you have to sign a lot of forms. Always make sure you read and understand what you are signing. It's OK to take the forms away to read them if you want to. Never sign a blank form – the landlord could put the wrong details on it later.

When you contact your landlord, it's always best to put it in writing. Always keep a copy of any letters you send – that way you have a record of all your dealings with the landlord. If you talk to the landlord, it's a good idea to keep some notes of what you say.

Always keep your rent receipts so that you can prove you've paid it.

When the landlord gives you notice about something (like putting up the rent or asking you to leave), or when you give notice to the landlord (like saying you're going to leave), remember that the number of days given here are the minimum number required. For instance, if you're moving out and you're on a periodic tenancy, the minimum notice you can give is 14 days.

When you move, make sure you give your new address (or another address where you can be contacted) to the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA). Otherwise they won't know where to send your bond.

If something in the house gets broken, don't panic. Even the best tenants break things sometimes. Contact your landlord and explain what happened. Then arrange to get it fixed. Remember if you or your friends caused the damage, it is your responsibility to get it fixed. You might want to ask the person who caused the damage to help pay for it.

Few useful websites for any tenancy disputes Tenant's Union, Dispute Resolution Officer