Urban Land & Housing Group – Tenant Tips – What is considered an urgent repair?

Tenant Tip – What is considered an “Urgent Repair?”
The law distinguishes between urgent (emergency) repairs and those which are not so urgent.
Urgent repairs are:
• A burst water service or a serious water service leak
• A blocked or broken toilet
• A serious roof leak
• A gas leak
• A dangerous electrical fault
• Flooding
• Serious storm or fire damage
• A failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity or water supply to the premises.
• A failure or breakdown of the hot water supply
• A failure or breakdown of the stove or oven
• A failure or breakdown of a Heater or air-conditioner
• A fault or damage which makes the premises unsafe or insecure
If urgent repairs are needed you should notify your agent right away. The agent must arrange for the repairs to be done as soon as possible. If you cannot reach them, check your tenancy agreement for the details of a nominated tradesperson to contact.
If urgent repairs are not done within a reasonable time you may be able to arrange for the work to be done and be reimbursed by the Landlord (but only up to $1000). However, you must be able to show that:
• The need for the urgent repair was not your fault
• You contacted the Landlord or agent about the problem or made reasonable attempt to do so
• You gave the landlord or agent a reasonable opportunity to get the repairs done
• The repairs were carried out by a licensed tradesperson
You must give the landlord written notice setting out the details of the repair and copies of all receipts. The Landlord is required to pay you back within 14 days of receiving your notice. If they do not you can apply to the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal for an order.
If the repairs are likely to cost more than $1000 or you cannot afford to pay for repair you can apply to the Tribunal for an urgent hearing for orders for the landlord to get the repairs done.
Please give me a call on 9672-6055 if you have any questions regarding urgent repairs.