Tenant and landlord questions answered

Tenant landlord FAQ: repairs

For most tenant repair questions, CEA's template works in two stages: the landlord rectifies defects identified during the problem-free period at the start, then the tenant handles minor repairs. Clause 4.3 also has the tenant keep the interior in good and tenantable repair at the tenant's own cost.

Who pays for small repairs?

The tenant does, up to a limit. After the problem-free period, CEA's template makes the tenant responsible for minor repairs and replacement parts costing up to the amount filled in at ITEM 10, per item per incident. The landlord bears the excess unless the damage is due to the tenant's negligence or wilful default. See tenant repair responsibilities.

Can a tenant arrange a repair without asking?

No, not under CEA's template. Clause 4.9 says the tenant does not undertake or authorise any repairs without the landlord's prior written consent, and a repair above the ITEM 10 amount also needs that consent first. Get it in writing before you book. If booked work goes wrong, see our guide to a dispute with a contractor.

Must the tenant let the landlord's workmen in?

Yes, at reasonable times and by prior appointment. Clause 4.7 of CEA's template says the tenant lets the landlord or the landlord's workmen in on those terms to view the flat or carry out repairs. To see whether a fault lies inside the flat at all, read who maintains what in an HDB estate.

Aircon

Under CEA's template, routine servicing sits with the tenant, while breakdowns, repairs and chemical cleaning sit with the landlord, unless a breakdown is due to the tenant's negligence or non-maintenance. Your own agreement may word it differently.

How often must a tenant service the aircon?

At least once every three months, under CEA's template. Clause 4.4 has the tenant take up a service contract with a qualified aircon contractor to service the units at that interval, at the tenant's expense. The cost depends on the job; compare companies and their published prices on the aircon servicing page.

Who pays for a chemical wash?

The landlord, if one is needed. Clause 4.5 of CEA's template makes the landlord responsible for breakdown, repair, replacement of parts and chemical cleaning if necessary, but not where the breakdown is due to the tenant's negligence or non-maintenance. Your own agreement may differ. See what the job involves on the aircon chemical wash page.

Pests and mould

Pests and mould both fall under clause 4.6 of CEA's template, which links them to keeping the flat clean. Your own agreement may divide these costs differently, so check it before you book.

Who deals with mould?

The tenant does, under CEA's template. Where necessary, the tenant engages cleaners for mould or mildew build-up at the tenant's own expense, as part of keeping the flat clean. If the mould keeps coming back, ask the cleaner what may be causing it. See the mould FAQ for more.

Who pays for pest control?

The tenant does, under the same clause of CEA's template. The tenant keeps the flat free of pests, mosquitoes and rodents and, where necessary, engages exterminators for an infestation at the tenant's own expense. For mosquitoes in particular, read how to prevent mosquito breeding at home.

End of tenancy

Moving out raises two questions: what state the flat must be in, and who handles repairs once the agent steps back. Your own agreement decides the detail.

In what condition must the flat be returned?

In similar condition to the start of the tenancy. Under CEA's template, the tenant returns the flat that way at the end of the term, with authorised alterations, fair wear and tear and acts of God excepted. Work through the end-of-tenancy checklist a few weeks before you hand over the keys.

Does the agent handle repairs?

No, not once the tenancy is under way. CEA says a property agent's role ends after the landlord and tenant have signed the tenancy agreement and the flat is handed over to the tenant. After that, follow the repair terms in your own agreement. For the final clean before handover, compare move-out cleaning companies.

Where to go next

Before you sign, remember that the terms in CEA's template can be negotiated, and CEA publishes checklists for landlords and tenants to work through. Once you know who is responsible, these pages help with the next step:

• HDB repairs FAQ: more questions on repairs in HDB flats.
• which service you need: match your job to the right trade.

Questions