Maintenance debts - ending your tenancy

What is a maintenance debt?

Maintenance debts are incurred if your home requires repairs, rubbish removal, or cleaning when you leave, as a result of damage not caused by fair wear and tear.

Necessary maintenance will be identified during the final exit inspection. See What to do when leaving social housing.

What happens if I owe money for repairs, cleaning or maintenance?

These costs will be charged to your account and you will be notified in writing. You are given four weeks to pay these costs before the department engages a debt collection agency to recover the debt.

What if I don't agree with these costs?

If you don't agree with the repairs, cleaning or maintenance charges that have been debited to your account, you should contact your nearest Housing Service Centre to discuss the matter. If agreement cannot be reached on what items require payment, you can appeal this decision (see Complaints and Appeals).

What if I don't pay these costs?

If you need housing assistance in the future, and you have an outstanding debt, the department will not offer you any further assistance until you have repaid your debt. The department will only offer you assistance in exceptional circumstances where debts have not been repaid in full.

If you owe money to the department for either rent or maintenance costs when you leave the property, you are required to repay it.

The department uses its own debt management team to recover outstanding money and the judicial system where required.