Yearly Archives: 2014

I walked into a car showroom a few years back. The cars were new, I could smell the car seat fragrance. The drive was fantastic, smooth and reliable. Everything was so good and comfortable... However, after a few years, things started to go downhill.. Aircon is not cold, engine cooling system is not working, noise in the braking pad, etc etc... Breakdowns are unavoidable in the lifespan of cars. Similarly, breakdowns are also very common in rental properties. What should a Landlord do? Most of the time, I hear tenants complaining to me about things breaking down in the house. Aircon spoil, washing machine faulty, drains clogged.. the list goes on.. As a landlord, there will be a 1 month warranty for all the electrical appliances in the house to the tenant, except for damages done by the tenant. Landlord is also responsible to ensure that the appliances is in good and working condition before handing over to the tenant. Nonetheless, there are a few tips/clause that you can put in the Tenancy agreement contract that can make your life as a landlord much easier: 1. Keep the operation manual of all the appliances and leave the file there so that the tenant can look at it for easy reference. Inform the tenant to check out the operation manual for any machine malfunction/google the fault through the internet before contacting the Landlord or Landlord's agent. 2. State in the Tenancy Agreement that Tenant is responsible for all-minor repairs and routine maintenance of the premises not exceeding $100 or $150 (amount agreed betw. the Landlord and Tenant) per item per job throughout the term of the said lease If it exceeds $100 or $150, then the [...]