Tenant information
- I'm not quite sure what I should be doing around my place. Can you give me some pointers?
- My toilet is continually blocked - what do I do?
- Will Pilbara Iron put extra TV cable points in for me?
- How about another telephone line for my computer?
- What about the pool? Do I have to look after that?
- What if things get damaged?
- Do you carry out property inspections?
- What should I do when I want to leave company housing?
- Can I be kicked out of company housing?
- My partner and I are splitting up. Can one of us stay in the company house we've been living in?
- How much can I expect to pay for rent while I'm in company housing?
I'm not quite sure what I should be doing around my place. Can you give me some pointers?
As the tenant, you have responsibility for the following maintenance:
- Changing light bulbs, fluoro tubes and starters
- Changing batteries in smoke detectors
- Tightening loose hinges & door/cupboard knobs
- Cleaning air-conditioner filters preferably once a month
- Cleaning air-conditioning return air vent at least every 3 months
- Cleaning the kitchen exhaust fan
- House and yard cleaning; the red dirt of the Pilbara is especially hard on carpets and care needs to be taken that it's not trekked into the house
- General garden upkeep, especially ensuring lawns are mowed in the wet season to eliminate fire and snake hazards
- Taking reasonable care of the reticulation system where one has been installed
- Getting a plumber to clear blocked pipes or repair damaged pipes on your property
- Replacing locks if you lose keys
- Pest and rodent control including cockroaches, moths, spiders, ants, rats mice but excluding termites (unless this is due to infestation that is not directly attributed by to the tenant).
- Report any termite activity you notice in the house to Customer Services immediately by phoning 1800 992 777
My toilet is continually blocked - what do I do?
Sanitary pads, tampons and nappies and household rubbish are often found to be the cause of toilet blockages. Dispose of these by wrapping them and placing in the rubbish bin. If these are not the problem, log a call with the Customer Services Helpdesk.
Will Pilbara Iron put extra TV cable points in for me?
No. If there is not one present, you'll need to arrange for them to be inserted yourself.
How about another telephone line for my computer?
No, we don't supply additional telephone lines, or wall connection point. However, if the last occupant of your property left these when they vacated, Pilbara Iron will leave them in place. If your home does not have an extra telephone line, you'll need to arrange for this to be installed yourself.
What about the pool? Do I have to look after that?
Yes, it's up to tenants to maintain the pool on their property. This means keeping it clean and free from anything that is harmful to the pool, its plumbing or equipment. You'll need to buy and apply chemicals and operate the equipment as recommended by the pool manufacturer or reputable supplier of pool equipment.
The $150 a month rent charged for the pool includes a monthly inspection by a pool mechanic who provides a report to Pilbara Iron and will also advise you on what may be required.
What if things get damaged?
You're responsible for any damage caused by you, your pets or your guests, such as holes in walls, chewed carpets or broken windows.
We ask tenants to keep their property in at least the condition that it was handed over. We do accept fair wear and tear. That means that we realise that, over time, carpets wear in high traffic areas, curtains fade and so on.
We also expect tenants to keep their properties clean and to notify us promptly of any damage - including damage to cyclone screens - that arises during the term of your tenancy. Unreported damage may result in a Breach of Tenancy, which is a lot of trouble for all parties.
Remember, it's our house - but your home.
Do you carry out property inspections?
Yes, as with most rental accommodation, you can expect an inspection before you move in and just before you move out. As well, we aim to carry out two home inspections a year to allow us to plan any maintenance needed. We give you reasonable notice of any inspection.
I hear that I have to have regular property inspections. Are these sprung on me?
No, as your landlord, we are bound under the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 1987. We can only enter your premises with your permission, unless it is an emergency.
What should I do when I want to leave company housing?
When it's time to leave, we'll arrange an inspection that you'll also attend. You'll hand back your keys at the end of the inspection.
Before the inspection, you must make sure the house and garden are clean and tidy, with carpets cleaned professionally.
We'll prepare a property condition report and any charges due, as noted on the report, will be deducted from you via payroll.
You'll need to remove any structures on your property that have not been approved.
Can I be kicked out of company housing?
The short answer is "yes" - but it's very uncommon. Before that ever happens, our tenants are issued with breach notices, which give them plenty of time to rectify any problems. On-going breaches, however, may lead to tenants being served an eviction notice.
Any employee who has been evicted will not be able to go into company housing for a minimum of 12 months. The company has the right to refuse future applications at their discretion.
My partner and I are splitting up. Can one of us stay in the company house we've been living in?
If your recognised spouse (and dependant children) leave the family home and do not intend returning, Pilbara Iron will wait two months in case you and your spouse reconcile. After that, if there is no reconciliation, you may be required to change accommodation. See the eligibility criteria table by clicking here.
If you are the one who leaves the company house, we may be able to offer you alternative accommodation for up to two months, depending on availability. If, at the end of the two months, there has been no reconciliation, then your family will have to move out. You can move to another rental property within the eligibility criteria. You may need to consult the Intra Site Housing Moves Procedure.
For comprehensive information about your rights as a tenant, click here for the Rio Tinto North West Rental Agreement. As this is a legal document, you may find some of the language complex. Feel free to contact us if you need anything clarified.
How much can I expect to pay for rent while I'm in company housing?
Depending on which scheme you enter and your location, rental amounts do vary.
For Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Wickham and Pannawonica:
Rent for basic employee housing ranges from around $72 a month for a one-bedroom property, to about $140 a week for a five-bedroom property. Properties that have significant additions - a second patio, workshop or garage (not a small garden shed), another room, another carport, upgraded kitchen, pool or spa - will attract extra rent. To give you a rough idea, a property with a workshop or garage will cost an extra $25 a month, while one with a swimming pool will cost an extra $150 a month.
For Dampier and Karratha:
This is an open market scheme where you are paying normal market rent however the company offers you rental reimbursement up to $13,000 depending on eligibility.
Water-wise tips
Water is a precious resource in the Pilbara, and all residents are encouraged to use water wisely. Find out how with these water saving tips.
Glossary
Confused by some of the terms used on this website? Make use of this handy online glossary, which will explain some of the terms used.