Conditions of tenancy

Discrimination

A landlord cannot discriminate because you are pregnant or of a particular sex, ethnic background, national origin, religion, marital status, age, or because you are unemployed or have children.

If you believe you are being discriminated against you can complain to the Tenancy Tribunal or the Human Rights Commission.

Rights of inspection

Landlords have the right to inspect their properties, but you also have a right to reasonable privacy in your own home.

The landlord must give you at least 48 hours' notice and not more than 14 days' notice of a visit. Inspections cannot be made more than once a month and must be made between the hours of 8am and 7pm.

If the landlord wishes to enter the property to make repairs they must give you at least 24 hours' notice, unless there is an emergency.

Of course, a landlord can visit at any time but can only come in if you invite them.

Urgent repairs

The toilet is blocked, you can't clear it with a plunger and the landlord can't be contacted. What should you do?

For urgent repairs in this situation, you can contract a tradesperson yourself and pass on the costs to the landlord. But you must keep those costs reasonable.

Termination of tenancy

Where there is no fixed term, tenants must give 21 days' written notice, unless the landlord agrees to allow a shorter time. Even if the landlord says it is not needed, it is a good idea to put the notice in writing and keep a copy of it.

The landlord, on the other hand, must give at least 90 days' notice in writing of their intention to end the tenancy. But if they or members of their family wish to move in, or if the property has been sold, they only have to give 42 days' notice.

The landlord can show prospective tenants through the property, even if you are still living there, provided they have given notice and first obtained your consent for the visits. You cannot unreasonably withhold your consent, but may set reasonable conditions before agreeing to let them into the house.