(1)  Without limiting the application of Part 3B , the owner of residential premises is to maintain the premises as nearly as possible in the condition, apart from reasonable wear and tear, that existed on the day on which the residential tenancy agreement was entered into.

(2)  The tenant is to notify the owner of any repairs needed in respect of the premises within 7 days of the need arising.

(3)  The owner is to carry out any repairs specified in the notice that do not arise from any fault of the tenant –

(a) in the case of boarding premises, within 7 days; or

(ab) if the repair is to a heating element of a cooking stove, within 14 days; or

(b) in any other case, within 28 days –

after receipt of the notice.

(4)  This section –

(a) does not apply during the emergency period, unless a period is determined under subsection (5)(a) during the emergency period, in which case this section does not apply during the period so determined; or

(b) does not apply during a subsequent COVID-19 emergency period, unless a period is determined under subsection (5)(b) during the subsequent COVID-19 emergency period, in which case this section does not apply during the period so determined.

(5)  The Commissioner, by notice in the Gazette , may, for the purposes of subsection (4) , determine –

(a) a period, specified in the notice, that ends before the end of the emergency period; or

(b) a period, specified in the notice, that ends before the end of a subsequent COVID-19 emergency period.