Arranging repairs
How do I arrange any repairs which might be necessary?
All requests for maintenance or repairs must be advised to the owner or the agent, preferably in writing. Maintenance request forms should be provided for this purpose when you move into the property. You should not attempt to repair things yourself, and you have a responsibility to advise the agent/owner of maintenance matters that require attention. There are also provisions in the lease for how you handle repairs of an urgent nature.
What can I do if the property requires urgent/emergency repairs (such as exposed electrical wires or if the sewer is overflowing)?
What constitutes an "emergency" is clearly defined in the various Residential Tenancies Acts and the quickest and easiest way of establishing what they are is to refer to your tenancy agreement, that is, your lease and any other documentation given to you by the agent or the property owner.
Emergency repairs are essentially (as the name implies) those which affect the health and safety of the occupants, or threaten the property.
The first thing you should do is try to contact the agent or the owner by either personal contact or telephone. Give them every opportunity to arrange for the emergency repairs as long as they are done in the most expedient and urgent manner.
If the agent or owner is not contactable or will not attend to the repair and the situation is classified as an emergency, according to the Residential Tenancies Act, you are authorised to spend a certain amount according to relevant state or territory legislation using the tradespeople nominated to handle emergency repairs on the lease. If the situation is not an emergency, you may be held responsible for the expense.
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