Taking Care of Your Rental Property – A Tenant’s Guide
As a tenant in Queensland, you are required to take reasonable care of the rental property and keep it in a clean and tidy condition throughout your tenancy.
Routine inspections are conducted approximately every three months to ensure the property is being looked after and to identify any maintenance issues early.
This guide outlines general day-to-day care expectations to help tenants maintain the property and reduce avoidable maintenance issues.
For more information on preparing for inspections, please visit the “Routine Inspection Preparation – Tenant Guide” tab.
General Care Responsibilities
1. Regular Cleaning
Keep the property reasonably clean and tidy, including:
- Vacuuming and mopping floors
- Cleaning kitchens and bathrooms regularly
- Wiping down surfaces and appliances
Regular cleaning helps prevent the build-up of dirt, mould, and pests, particularly in high-use areas.
2. Report Maintenance Issues Promptly
Tenants must notify the property manager as soon as possible if repairs or maintenance are required, including:
- Leaks
- Faulty appliances
- Damage or safety concerns
Prompt reporting helps prevent further damage and ensures repairs can be arranged efficiently.
Tenants should not attempt repairs themselves.
3. Preventing Further Damage & Tenant Responsibility
Tenants have a responsibility to take reasonable care of the property and to report maintenance issues as soon as they become aware of them.
Failure to notify the property manager of a known issue, or allowing an issue to worsen due to inaction, may result in the tenant being held responsible for damage that could reasonably have been prevented.
Examples may include (but are not limited to):
- Water leaks
If a leaking tap, pipe, or appliance is not reported promptly and causes damage to cabinetry, flooring, or walls, the tenant may be liable for the resulting damage. - Mould and condensation
Tenants are expected to take reasonable everyday steps to reduce moisture, such as:- using exhaust fans where provided
- opening windows when weather permits
- allowing airflow and sunlight by opening curtains
- wiping away condensation when it forms
If mould is allowed to develop or spread due to lack of ventilation, failure to clean early-stage mould, or failure to report the issue, the cost of professional mould treatment may be charged to the tenant.
- Slip Hazards in Outdoor Areas
- Tenants are responsible for taking reasonable care to keep driveways, paths, and outdoor areas free from obvious hazards such as loose debris, spills, or organic build-up (for example, leaves or surface grime), to help reduce slip risks.
- Tenants are not required to undertake high-risk cleaning, pressure washing, or surface treatments during the tenancy. If an outdoor area becomes unsafe, slippery, or cannot be reasonably managed through normal day-to-day upkeep, the issue must be reported to the agency promptly.
- At the end of the tenancy, tenants are required to return the property in a reasonably clean condition, which may include cleaning exterior concrete areas such as driveways and paths. Please refer to your tenancy agreement and any special conditions.
- Pest prevention
Where the property has been professionally treated at the commencement of the tenancy (where applicable), tenants are expected to:- maintain reasonable cleanliness
- dispose of rubbish appropriately
- store food correctly
If pest infestations occur due to cleanliness or waste issues during the tenancy, the cost of treatment may be the tenant’s responsibility.
4. Care for Fixtures and Fittings
Treat all fixtures and fittings with care, including:
- Benchtops
- Cupboards
- Doors, handles, and locks
Tenants must not make alterations, install fixtures, or drill holes without prior written approval from the landlord or property manager.
5. Gardens and Outdoor Areas
Where the tenancy agreement states the tenant is responsible for garden maintenance, this generally includes:
- Regular mowing
- Basic weeding
- Keeping outdoor areas tidy and free of rubbish
Tenants are not required to:
- Work at heights
- Trim large trees
- Use machinery or equipment they are not familiar with
If garden maintenance becomes unsafe or beyond reasonable upkeep, tenants must notify the property manager.
6. Ventilation and Mould Prevention
Tenants are encouraged to:
- Use exhaust fans where provided
- Open windows when weather permits
- Allow airflow and sunlight into rooms
- Wipe away condensation when it forms
These steps assist in reducing moisture and mould, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms.
7. Rubbish and Waste
- Dispose of household rubbish regularly
- Use council bins correctly
- Avoid allowing rubbish or excess items to accumulate inside or outside the property
8. Property Security
- Lock doors and windows when leaving the property
- Advise the property manager if locks, screens, or security devices are damaged or not functioning
9. Appliances and Inclusions
Use all appliances and inclusions in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, including:
- Ovens
- Dishwashers
- Air conditioners
Tenants should:
- Clean accessible filters and surfaces where safe to do so
- Report faults promptly
Tenants must not open, dismantle, or repair appliances.
10. Pets (If Approved)
Where pets are approved:
- Pets must be kept in accordance with the tenancy agreement
- Tenants are responsible for any damage caused by pets
- Yards and indoor areas should be kept clean and hygienic
11. Respect for Neighbours and the Property
- Keep noise at reasonable levels
- Respect shared spaces where applicable
- Use the property in a reasonable manner consistent with residential use
Routine Inspections
Routine inspections are conducted to:
- Check the general condition of the property
- Identify maintenance issues early
- Ensure the tenancy agreement is being complied with
Inspections are not a cleanliness test, however the property should be presented in a reasonably clean and well-maintained condition.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general information only and is not an exhaustive list of tenant responsibilities. It does not replace or override the tenant’s obligations under the tenancy agreement or the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld).
Tenants are not required to carry out repairs, maintenance, or tasks that involve safety risks, specialist skills, or working at heights, unless otherwise permitted by law.
Tenants may be responsible for damage where it results from a failure to report known issues within a reasonable timeframe, or from not taking reasonable steps to prevent avoidable damage, in accordance with their obligations under the tenancy agreement and legislation.
This guide does not alter the legal rights or responsibilities of tenants, property owners, or the managing agent under Queensland law.