Substandard housing

Rental properties

While the Council might assist with complaints about dangerous or insanitary dwellings it does not assist in disputes over minor damage including broken windows or locks, rotten carpet, old appliances, lease agreements or rental prices etc. Should you have any such concerns or complaints you should contact your landlord and/or the Tenancy Services in the first instance.

The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 states that it is a landlord’s responsibility to provide their premises in a reasonable state of cleanliness and to maintain it in a reasonable state of repair, but it also places some responsibility on tenants. Tenants are to keep the premises reasonably clean and tidy and to notify the landlord as soon as possible of any damage or need for any repairs.

Tenants should familiarise themselves with their rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act and be aware of the Tenancy Services role in landlord/tenant relationships and disputes.