Generally, your tenancy agreement will bind repairs and maintenance to named service providers and stipulate that repairs and maintenance must be carried out by persons with the right licenses and qualifications.

This provides two significant benefits:

1. Protection of the Tenants and;

2. Protection of the Landlords Property.

However, we are seeing reports that in reality a number of Landlords with the knowledge of the property Agent are either doing work that requires appropriate licenses and skills or they are getting the work done by unidentified persons.

Advice from WorkSafe NT
Tenants should insist on proof of the correct licenses and qualifications to carry out tasks at their residences.
If tenants are unable to get the required proof or have doubts as to the quality or safety of the work then we encourage tenants to take a photo of the person while they are performing the work and send it to WorkSafe with a description of the job undertaken. In the event that the work is high risk to personal injury or property damage then do not use the fixture, appliance or plumbing system until it can be checked by an appropriately licensed person.

External Link: Electrocution Risk for Home DIY Repairs

It is equally important for Tenants to log information such as description of the fault, date and time logged with Agent\Landlord and all events related to the issue. Tenancy Toolbox when released will provide an easy and secure place for logging these events in a format that will assist you should the matter need tribunal intervention.

If you have any concerns or doubts about current or past work performed then we encourage all tenants to seek advice from their local WorkSafe office, Consumer Affairs or Community Justice.

External Web Site: WorkSafe NT

Department of Consumer Affairs

The department of consumer affairs in the Northern Territory confirmed with Tenancy Toolbox that if a rental property is fitted with appliances, fixtures , plumbing and television antenna then they must be maintained by the Agent or Landlord in safe & good working order.

It is important to ensure all maintenance work is performed by suitably qualified persons.

You may find that your tenancy agreement specifically excludes any liability to your person or property by the Agent or Landlord, therefore a bad job can result in personal injury or property damage.

We also note that some Tenancy Agreements do not reflect the actual Tenancy Act that are applicable in your jurisdiction, it is worth visiting your local community justice service to have them look over your tenancy agreement to understand what sections are not enforceable.