42The lessor is responsible for the cost of the following:

42 The lessor is responsible for the cost of the following: (a) rates and taxes relating to the premises; (b) services for which the lessor agrees to be responsible; (c) services for which there is not a separate metering device so that amounts consumed during the period of the tenancy cannot be accurately decided; (d) all services up to the time of measurement or reading at the beginning of the tenancy; (e) all services after reading or measurement at the end of the tenancy providing the tenant has not made any use of the service after the reading. 43 (1) The lessor must pay for any physical installation of services (eg water, electricity, gas, telephone line). (2) The tenant is responsible for the connection of all services that will be supplied in the tenant’s name. 44 The lessor must pay the annual supply charge associated with the supply of water or sewerage.

45 If the premises are a unit under the Unit Titles Act 2001, the lessor is responsible for all owners corporation charges. Tenant’s costs 46 The tenant is responsible for all charges associated with the consumption of services supplied to the premises, including electricity, gas, water and telephone. 47 The tenant is not required by the lessor to connect or continue a telephone service. Reading of metered services 48 (1) The lessor is responsible for undertaking or arranging all readings or measurement of services, other than those that are connected in the name of the tenant. (2) The lessor must provide the tenant with an opportunity to verify readings and measurements. 49 If the lessor does not arrange reading or measurement of a service connected in the name of the lessor by the day after the date of expiry of notice to vacate given in accordance with this tenancy agreement or the Residential Tenancies Act, the lessor is be responsible for payment of the unread or unmeasured service after the date of the last reading or measurement. 50 (1) If the tenant vacates the premises without giving notice before departure, the lessor must arrange a reading or measurement of services connected in the lessor’s name within a reasonable time of the lessor becoming aware of the departure of the tenant. (2) The tenant is responsible for payment of services to the date of that reading or measurement. Tenant’s use of the premises without interference 51 The lessor guarantees that there is no legal impediment to the use of the premises for residential purposes by the tenant.

52 The lessor must not cause or permit any interference with the reasonable peace, comfort or privacy of the tenant in the use by the tenant of the premises. 53 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the tenant has exclusive possession of the premises, as described in the agreement, from the date of commencement of the tenancy agreement provided for in the agreement. Lessor to install and maintain smoke alarms Lessor to install and maintain smoke alarms 53A (1) The lessor must install and maintain smoke alarms in the (2) The installation of the smoke alarms must comply with the requirements prescribed by regulation for the Residential Tenancies Act, section 11B. Lessor to make repairs Lessor to provide premises in a reasonable state at the start of the tenancy 54 (1) At the start of the tenancy, the lessor must ensure that the premises, including furniture, fittings and appliances (unless excluded from the tenancy agreement), are— (a) fit for habitation; and (b) reasonably clean; and (c) in a reasonable state of repair; and (d) reasonably secure. (2) An exclusion must be in writing and may, but need not, be included in the tenancy agreement (if in writing).