Christmas & New Year responsibilities — what tenants need to know

The holiday season is a great time — family visits, barbeques and a break from routines — but it also brings extra wear on rental homes and a few special rules. Below is a clear, tenant-facing guide (friendly, practical and based on NSW rules) so you can enjoy Christmas and New Year without unexpected problems.

1. Care expectations while you’re celebrating

• Keep the place reasonably clean and secure. Tenants are expected to look after the property and avoid careless damage. Normal fair wear and tear is expected, but damage caused by negligence, parties or guests is your responsibility to repair or pay for.

• Smoke alarms, safety fittings and major appliances: Don’t disable smoke alarms or safety devices for parties or to stop false alarms. If a safety device is faulty, report it right away (see Reporting below).

• Gardens and lawns: If your tenancy agreement says you’re responsible for garden upkeep, keep it tidy even over holidays (mow, water, remove rubbish). If you’re unsure, check your agreement or ask your property manager.

• If you host a party: Plan ahead — limit numbers if your place isn’t suitable, contain noise, clean up afterwards and make sure visitors don’t cause damage. If guests cause damage, you can be held liable.

2. Visitors, short stays and sub-letting — what’s allowed

• Having friends and family over is fine — there’s no set limit on normal visitors. But you remain responsible for any damage or nuisance they cause (noise, anti-social behaviour, property damage).

• Short-term rentals / letting to guests: If you plan to sub-let, Airbnb or formally transfer part of the tenancy, you must get the landlord’s written permission first. A landlord must not unreasonably refuse a request to add a co-tenant or sub-let, but you must follow the correct process. Breaching these rules can lead to tenancy action.

3. Reporting problems — urgent vs non-urgent repairs

• Urgent repairs (call immediately): A burst water service, serious gas leak, dangerous electrical fault, serious storm or fire damage, failure of essential services (hot water, cooking, heating/cooling), flooding, or anything that makes the property unsafe or insecure — these are urgent and must be reported straight away. If you cannot reach your landlord or agent, you can arrange emergency repairs yourself and be reimbursed (the rules about amounts and who to use are set out by NSW Fair Trading).

• If you can’t reach the agent/landlord: NSW guidance explains the steps tenants can take, and in some urgent cases tenants can get a tradesperson and be reimbursed (check your tenancy agreement and Fair Trading guidance about limits and receipts). Make the call and keep all receipts.

• Non-urgent repairs: Report these in writing to your property manager (email preferred). Keep a copy of your request and any replies. Non-urgent repairs are typically scheduled during business hours.

4. Entry, inspections and being home over the holidays

• Notice and hours for entry: Landlords or agents must give the required notice for inspections or non-urgent repairs. There are limits on entry times (normally not on Sundays, public holidays or outside reasonable hours unless agreed). The landlord can enter if they’ve given the correct notice even if you’re not home. If you don’t want tradespeople in while you’re away, provide written permission for someone else to be there or arrange a mutually acceptable time.

• You’re not legally required to be present for every inspection or repair — but you should communicate clearly. If you’re given proper notice and you prevent access, you may be breaching the tenancy. (Also: agents cannot lawfully charge arbitrary “no one home” fees — see the Fair Trading guidance/news coverage if you’re asked to pay for being absent.)

5. If things go wrong over the holiday break — practical checklist

1. Immediate danger or major damage: Call emergency services if lives or safety are at risk. Then report to your landlord/agent. (Examples: gas leak, exposed wiring, major structural damage.)

2. Can’t reach the landlord/agent and it’s urgent: Engage a licensed tradesperson if necessary, keep receipts and photos — you may be reimbursed (check Fair Trading guidance and your agreement).

3. For non-urgent issues: Email your property manager and follow up in writing. Keep a copy.

4. For disputes (damage, disputed charges, unreasonable refusals): You can raise a complaint with NSW Fair Trading or apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) — keep records and photos.

6. Practical tips to enjoy the season—and avoid headaches

• Let your property manager know planned absences (dates you’ll be away) and who will be on site (if anyone).

• Secure the property: Lock windows/doors, turn off non-essential appliances, stop mail or have a friend collect it.

• Take photos before and after big gatherings — proof that you left the property in order can avoid later bond disputes.

• Don’t move smoke alarms or tamper with safety devices for party reasons — if an alarm is faulty, report it immediately.

• If you expect tradespeople to attend while you’re away, provide written consent for them to enter or arrange an authorised person to be there.

7. Who to contact at PRD

If you’re a PRD tenant and need help over the holidays, contact your PRD property manager first (use the usual email/phone contact). For non-urgent maintenance use PRD’s home maintenance form; for urgent/emergency repairs contact the emergency repairs contact on your tenancy paperwork and follow the steps above. If your tenancy documents are unclear, get in touch with PRD and we’ll confirm what to do.

Short summary — the must-knows

• Report urgent repairs immediately; you may be able to arrange and be reimbursed if you can’t contact the agent.

• You must look after the property and are responsible for damage caused by you or your guests (normal wear and tear is expected).

• You can have visitors, but you remain responsible for their conduct and any damage — and you must get written permission to sub-let.

• Landlords/agents must give proper notice for entry; they can enter with notice even if you’re not home. Keep communication in writing to avoid disputes.