Are you a property owner? Do you rent out your property or are you planning on selling it? If you answered yes to either of these, then this information is for you. Here are 3 important things to keep in mind about roof repairs and restoration for property owners or managers. 

Property Value

You roof is one of the first impressions that a potential buyer will see before setting foot inside. Research conducted in 2016 found that 43% of home buyers will have made a decision within fives minute to make an offer or not upon viewing the property.

A dilapidated and falling apart roof can easily reflect the condition of the entire home. Not only does it not look aesthetically appealing but it could be seen as a mistreated house, scaring away potential renters or buyers.

This is why a roof restoration can add great value to your property. 

Tax Claims

According to the ATO, ongoing repairs that relate directly to wear and tear or other damage that happened as a result of you renting out the property can be claimed in full in the same year you incurred the expense. 

Tenancy

According to the RTA QLD, Property Managers or Owners are responsible for routine or emergency roof repairs (those damages caused not by the tenant but rather the structure’s problem to begin with - e.g these could be serious roof leaks).

If the roof’s condition means that the property is no longer safe to live in, it’s your responsibility as the landlord to replace it. However, if a roof is simply old and coming up on being replaced, that doesn’t mean you need to replace it immediately. You can wait until the current lease is up and then complete the repairs before signing another lease. An old roof by itself is not an issue of habitability unless the roof is damaged to the point where it could become a danger.

It is very important that if the roof leaks at the commencement of the lease, this is clearly documented. The landlord’s responsibility will be to maintain the premises in the condition at the commencement of the lease. Accordingly, if the roof leaks, this needs to be clearly documented in the lease, so that the tenant cannot seek that the landlord fixes the roof.