Don't Wait Until Summer: Check Your Rental Property's Air Conditioning Now
With warmer weather approaching, now is the time for landlords to make sure the air conditioning systems in their rental properties are working correctly.
This is an important maintenance issue that should not be left until the first heatwave. Once temperatures rise, air conditioning technicians become heavily booked, parts can take longer to source and what may have been a simple preventative service can quickly become an urgent repair.
There is also a tenancy consideration landlords need to be aware of.
When a rental property is advertised and leased with air conditioning, tenants reasonably expect that system to remain operational throughout the tenancy. The air conditioner is considered one of the property's supplied inclusions, just like other fixtures and appliances provided with the home.
If the system stops working, the owner will generally be responsible for arranging repairs, unless the tenant or one of their guests caused the damage.
Tenants are becoming increasingly aware of their rights when advertised inclusions are unavailable. When an air conditioner remains out of service for an extended period, particularly during hot weather, some tenants may request a rent reduction or seek compensation.
Unresolved repair issues can also lead to formal disputes, applications to QCAT for a repair order or, in some circumstances, requests to end the tenancy early.
This does not mean every air conditioning breakdown will result in a serious dispute. However, it does highlight the importance of acting early, responding promptly and keeping tenants informed throughout the repair process.
Preventative servicing can help identify issues such as blocked drains, worn components, electrical faults, reduced performance or an ageing system that may soon require replacement.
The Agency Milton can assist landlords by arranging an air conditioning service before the summer rush. Our property management team can also help ensure every air conditioner advertised with the property is operational, reported faults are followed up promptly, service and repair records are maintained, older or unreliable systems are identified early, and tenants are kept informed when repairs are required.
A relatively small maintenance expense now may help prevent emergency call-outs, tenant frustration, compensation requests and more costly disputes later.
Speak with The Agency Milton today about arranging an air conditioning check or service for your investment property before the warmer weather arrives.