Inspections
Appropriate prior notice to tenants of inspections
In accordance with your Tenancy Agreement you are required to provide reasonable access to Service Residences owned and leased by DHA, providing appropriate notice is given (a minimum of seven days notice). Typically, access will be required:
- to carry out repairs and maintenance work. Contractors will make direct contact with tenants to arrange mutually convenient times for routine maintenance and repairs;
- for routine inspections of the property;
- for periodic access to a Lessor; or
- to organise a sale or valuation.
Annual Inspections
In order to maintain and monitor the quality of housing we provide, we conduct annual inspections of Service Residences and grounds. The inspection is carried out by a DHA Property Consultant and arranged at a mutually convenient time. The purpose of the inspection is to identify any maintenance requirements and any non-fair wear and tear damage. Your Property Consultant will discuss a maintenance schedule and where necessary reach agreement on the rectification of any identified non-fair wear and tear issues.
Property sales and valuation inspections
Some of DHA's properties are sold to private investors through our Sale and Leaseback program. If the Service Residence you are occupying is to be included under this program, you will be notified to make arrangements for investors to view the property.
Leased property inspections
The owner of a leased property is entitled to reasonable access if they wish to on-sell or have their property valued. While lessors are entitled to inspect leased properties, they must first contact DHA to make an appointment. Wherever possible we will try to combine a lessor inspection with a routine DHA inspection to minimise any inconvenience.
Extended absences from your Service Residence
We understand that serving members may be absent from a Service Residence from time to time. During your absence, there is no change to:
- your obligation under your Tenancy Agreement to maintain your residence and grounds, and provide access for inspections; and
- our requirement to manage your property and meet our obligations to lessors.
To assist us to manage your property while you are away, you are required to:
- have measures in place to ensure that your lawns and gardens are regularly watered and mowed, especially in the summer months;
- notify your local HMC that the property will be vacant for 30 days or longer. To maintain building cover, DHA is required by the relevant insurance company to advise that this will be the case; and
- provide contact details during the absence period, so access can be gained to the property in case of inspections and emergencies.
Please remember that DHA insurance does not cover loss or damage to your contents. You are strongly encouraged to comprehensively insure your contents.
The Tenant Handbook (PDF - 1.56 MB) provides further information on Inspections.