A property maintenance query.

[Sandie]

I have had the same tenants in a rental property for six years. Some time back I said to them that they should have the venetian blind in the kitchen professionally cleaned for the reason that when trying to clean them myself, I bent the slats. When I suggested to the tenants recently that the blind needed to be cleaned, the tenant said that as the blind was fixed in place, it was my responsibility. Could someone please advise whose responsibility it is?

Sandie

[artemis]

Umm, rather a lot of a property (like most of it) is fixed in place and is still the responsibility of the tenant to keep clean. You can't insist on them getting professionals in though, but can require them to remediate any damage. Before and after photos will help. If the tenants don't or won't, 14 day notice, not just a suggestion. Could suggest they call Tenancy Services.

[Bob Kane]

You're a pretty tough pm.
If that's your biggest problem then let it go.

[Sandie]

You appear to have made an assumption Mr Kane. No, it's not my biggest problem. And thanks Artemis for your advice.

[Bob Kane]

Could someone please advise whose responsibility it is?
Sandie

It's pretty clear cut that it's your responsibility.

[sidinz]

It's pretty clear cut that it's your responsibility.

Clear cut how?
if it's tenant responsibility to keep curtains and carpets clean, I don't see why blinds would be the LL's problem?

[Learning]

Clear cut how?
if it's tenant responsibility to keep curtains and carpets clean, I don't see why blinds would be the LL's problem?

IMO, if any average Joe Blogs can do it, with no up-skilled training required, then tenant can do it. If it requires professional skills or knowledge then it's the LL's responsibility and costs should be factored in to the rent over the year.

[Bob Kane]

Clear cut how?
if it's tenant responsibility to keep curtains and carpets clean, I don't see why blinds would be the LL's problem?

I don't think that's true.
What does the RTA say?
Tenants need to clean curtains and carpets monthly?

[artemis]

I don't think that's true.
What does the RTA say?
Tenants need to clean curtains and carpets monthly?

The RTA says tenants are responsible for keeping the premises reasonably clean and reasonably tidy. That can have different interpretations between landlord and tenant, and there is a process available to resolve differences.

[Bob Kane]

Like I said, it's pretty clear cut - tenants don't have to clean the curtains or blinds during their tenancy.

[mrsaneperson]

The issue is if the curtains and blinds are not cleaned on a reasonably regular basis they can become damaged permanently as the grime and dirt get more embedded. This then could create a situation where a tenant may have to pay hundreds of dollars in replacement costs.
I hate to see socialist viewpoints on these kind of topics that ultimately place all responsibility on the landlord as it then creates negative outcomes for both tenants and landlords. This is sadly happening more and more , no wonder as our so called leader is a devout socialist herself. Fresh timely reminder that back in 2008 Jacinda was President of the International Socialist Youth. The highest office of any organisation is president - you don't reach that position unless your ideology is aligned firmly.