Storm season is already well underway in Queensland after wild weather lashed parts of south-east Queensland in October. In the aftermath of extreme weather events, tenants and property managers/owners are urged to make contact early and discuss arrangements for cleaning up and making repairs. Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Morgan said maintaining open communication is key to ensuring the best outcome for everyone after events like storms, cyclones and flooding. “Property managers/owners have a legal responsibility to make sure the rental property is safe and fit to live in,” Ms Morgan said. “They are responsible for the repairs and maintenance necessary to bring the property back to a livable condition, which should also comply with health and safety laws.” Obligations for repairs and maintenance apply to building structures, fences, large trees, pools and any other inclusions. “Tenants should alert the property managers/owners of any repairs or maintenance needed to minimise damage to the property, and where damage is caused by severe weather events, tenants should remove and clean up their own possessions,” she said. Although tenants are responsible for insuring their own possessions, property managers/owners may need to make insurance claims for damage to the property after … Continue reading Caution: storms, floods and cyclones ahead!