Leaky Taps & Broken Bits? Here’s What to Do in a Rental

Your Guide to Repairs in Victorian Rental Properties

Living in a rental property in Victoria? Whether you’re a renter or a rental provider, understanding your rights and responsibilities regarding repairs is essential. Let’s dive into the world of rental repairs with a touch of fun and clarity!

Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Repairs: What’s the Difference?

In Victoria, repairs are categorised into two types:

Urgent Repairs:

These are issues that pose immediate risks to health, safety, or the property’s security. Examples include:

• Burst water service
• Blocked or broken toilet system
• Serious roof leak
• Gas leak
• Dangerous electrical faults
• Flooding or serious flood damage
• Failure of essential services like hot water, cooking, heating, or cooling appliances
• Property not meeting minimum standards

Non-functioning safety devices like smoke alarms
Faults causing significant water wastage
Any damage making the property unsafe or insecure.

Non-Urgent Repairs:

These are issues that don’t pose immediate risks and don’t prevent safe living in the property. Examples include:

• Broken dishwasher
• Loose bathroom tiles
• Dripping taps
• Minor cracks in walls

Reporting Repairs: Steps to Take

For Urgent Repairs:

1. Immediate Action: Contact your rental provider or agent as soon as possible. Use the after-hours contact number if it’s outside regular hours.
2. Follow-Up in Writing: Even if you call, always follow up with a written notice detailing the issue. This provides a record of your communication.
3. Keep Evidence: Take photos or videos of the problem. This can be useful if disputes arise later.

For Non-Urgent Repairs:

1. Written Notice: Notify your rental provider or agent in writing about the issue.
2. 14-Day Rule: The rental provider has 14 days to address non-urgent repairs after receiving your written notice.
   
3. Documentation: Keep copies of all communications and any responses received.

What If Nothing Happens?

If you’ve reported a repair and it’s being ignored, you’re not stuck.

Here’s what renters can do:

1. Request a free inspection from Consumer Affairs Victoria for non-urgent repairs.
2. Apply to VCAT for an order that forces the rental provider to do the work—especially if the delay is unreasonable.
3. For urgent repairs, if you’ve tried and failed to contact the rental provider, you can arrange the repair yourself and claim up to $2,500 in reimbursement. Just remember to:
   • Keep receipts
   • Notify the rental provider in writing as soon as possible

Make sure the tradesperson is properly qualified

Paying for Urgent Repairs Yourself

In situations where urgent repairs are needed, and the rental provider isn’t responding:

• Arrange Repairs: You can organize the urgent repairs yourself.
• Reimbursement: You’re entitled to be reimbursed up to $2,500 for the cost of urgent repairs.

Notify Rental Provider: Inform them about the repairs and provide receipts for the expenses incurred.

Rental Providers: What You’re Responsible For

Rental providers are legally required to:

• Keep the property in good repair and liveable condition
  
• Make sure the home meets minimum standards
• Act quickly on urgent repairs
• Address non-urgent issues within 14 days of written notice
  

Ignoring these obligations can land you at VCAT—and no one wants that.

Working Together

Effective communication between renters and rental providers is key. Always document your communications, keep records of repairs, and understand your rights and responsibilities.

Remember, a well-maintained property ensures a comfortable living environment for renters and preserves the property’s value for rental providers. Let’s work together to keep our homes safe and sound!

Questions?