Who is responsible for air conditioning maintenance in a rental property?

Does your rental property have an air conditioner?

In Queensland, we know how important having air conditioning is for our homes. That's why three out of four homes, whether they are owner-occupied or rental properties have air conditioners installed. Generally, an air conditioner is installed in the main living area, as this is the central point in a home and the cool air can reach a wider area. In larger homes, air conditioners can be found in bedrooms as well. Living in a hot climate can mean lots of uncomfortable, sticky days, making air conditioning no longer a luxury, but an essential need for families and businesses.

Who is responsible for the upkeep of the air conditioner?

Renters often assume that general maintenance, repairs, and the associated costs are always the landlord's responsibility. This is not always the case, your lease agreement will outline what you are personally responsible for in regard to the maintenance and upkeep of your rental home and any inclusions. There are some points to consider if you are renting an air-conditioned property.

General air conditioner cleaning & maintenance:

It is the responsibility of the tenant to maintain the air conditioner, It is advisable to clean your air conditioner by wiping the inside and washing the air filter every three months. To wash the air filter it's simply a matter of removing or lifting the front panel of the indoor unit (you don't usually need to remove screws to access the filter). Once you have removed the filter use a cleaning agent approved for AC units and wipe down the accessible areas inside.

Cleaning the filter is just as simple, slowly remove the filter and rinse it with running water. Wash with soap or a gentle detergent and let dry before returning to the unit.

Regular filter cleaning will keep your air quality high and your air conditioner running well, and help prevent your landlord from needing to make any major repairs in the future. If you are unsure how to go about maintaining your air conditioner, refer to the AC manual for instructions.

Air conditioner repairs

In common law, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the interior and exterior of leased properties. Therefore if you are renting and your air conditioner goes on the blink, your landlord may be responsible for repairs. However, in some instances, if the damage was caused by the tenant, the landlord can pass the repair costs to the renter.

Your reliable air conditioning professionals

If you need help with your air conditioner in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Logan, All Purpose Air Conditioning can help. Give us a call today at 1300 405 295.

Reference - https://www.sivair.com.au/ac-tips-for-renters-in-queensland/