Who is responsible for the maintenance of drains and drain pipes?
The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 or the standard terms does not make a specific reference to drains or drain pipes. Blocked drain pipes If the drainpipe blockage is a result of fair wear and tear, the lessor would be responsible for ensuring that the drainpipes are returned to a working standard and maintaining them in a fit standard for the tenant. An example of this would be a drain blocked by tree roots. Act s 185 – Lessor’s obligations generally If the tenant has caused the blockage, i.e., by putting an item down the drain, they may be responsible for the removal of any item/s that caused the problem, and the costs associated with removal of such items.
