Urgent repairs for renters: what counts and what to do
What usually counts as an urgent repair in an Australian rental, how to report it, and when a renter can arrange help — with the state authority to check.
Key takeaways
- Always report urgent repairs to your agent or landlord first, in writing.
- Each state sets its own rules on when a renter can arrange repairs and how much can be reimbursed.
- Keep photos, messages and receipts.
What is usually an urgent repair
Definitions differ between states and territories, but urgent repairs commonly include:
- A burst water service or serious water leak
- A blocked or broken toilet where there is no other toilet
- A serious roof leak
- A gas leak
- A dangerous electrical fault
- Flooding or serious flood or storm damage
- Failure of hot water, cooking, heating or cooling supplied by the landlord
- A fault that makes the property unsafe or insecure
Report it straight away
Contact your property manager or landlord using the emergency contact in your lease, then follow up in writing with photos. If it is dangerous — gas, fire, electrical sparking — call 000 or the gas or electricity distributor's emergency line first.
If nobody responds
Most states allow a renter to arrange urgent repairs themselves if the landlord or agent cannot be reached or does not act within a reasonable time, and to be reimbursed up to a set amount. The rules, amounts and required steps differ, so check before you book. Use a suitably licensed tradie and keep the invoice and report.
Where to check your state's rules
Your state or territory tenancy authority publishes the current rules — for example NSW Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs Victoria, Queensland's Residential Tenancies Authority, Consumer Protection WA, Consumer and Business Services in South Australia, CBOS in Tasmania, Access Canberra and NT Consumer Affairs.
Non-urgent repairs
Dripping taps, broken blinds or a faulty appliance that is not essential are usually non-urgent. Report them in writing and allow the landlord the time your state requires. Property managers can post the job on Fixit247 or use PropertySafe to manage requests.
General information only, reviewed for Australian conditions. Rules differ between states and territories and change over time, so confirm details with the relevant regulator. Call 000 in an emergency. Editorial policy
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