What Is An Urgent Repair?
The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 distinguishes between urgent and non-urgent repairs.
All repairs are the landlord’s or owner’s responsibility, but if the tenant or resident caused the damage, the landlord or owner can ask them to arrange or pay for repairs.
What To Do About An Urgent Repair?
If urgent repairs are needed the tenant should first take reasonable steps to arrange for the landlords or agent to fix the problem.
If the tenant is not able to get the landlord or agent to carry out urgent repairs, the tenant can have them done and the landlord or agent will have to pay the tenant the reasonable cost of repairs or $1800 whichever is less. Receipts must be kept to prove how much was spent, If a water appliance, fitting or fixture needs to be replaced quickly as part of an urgent repair arranged by the tenant, the tenant can have an ‘A’ rated item put in.
The tenant has to give the landlord or agent notice of what repairs were done and what they cost. Look at the section on notice under the heading “Urgent Repairs scenarios (scenario 2) on page 17 of the Renting a Home Guide. The landlord or agent has 14 days from receiving the notice to pay the tenant for the urgent repairs.
Sometimes:
In these cases, the tenant can apply to the tribunal, which must hear the application within two (2) business days after receipt. The tribunal can order the landlord to do the repairs.
Emergency Trades List
Should you experience any urgent repairs please contact your property manager directly or the office on (03) 9571 6777.
In accordance with the legislation, if an urgent repair should occur whilst our office is closed, please contact the following:
Stu – AllPlumb Plumbing & Gasfitting – 0422 259 456
Damien – Diamond D Electrical – 0401 016 533
Carnegie Locksmiths – 0402 397 299