Difference between urgent and non-urgent repairs

The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 distinguishes between urgent and non-urgent repairs. If a tenant or resident requests urgent repairs, the landlord or owner must respond immediately. View the full list of Urgent repairs in rental properties below.

All repairs are the landlord 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.

Set procedures must be followed when dealing with urgent or non-urgent repairs. Tenants and residents must continue paying rent even when they are waiting for repairs to be done.

Landlords and owners also have a responsibility to respond to all repair requests promptly as it is the landlord’s duty to ensure the property is maintained in good repair.

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Urgent repairs in rental properties

If a tenant or resident requests urgent repairs, the landlord or owner must respond immediately.

Urgent repairs are:

√ burst water service

√ blocked or broken toilet system

√ serious roof leak

√ gas leak

√ dangerous electrical fault

√ flooding or serious flood damage

√ serious storm or fire damage

√ failure or breakdown of any essential service or appliance provided by a landlord or agent for hot water, water, cooking, heating, or laundering failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity or water supply

√ any fault or damage in the premises that makes the premises unsafe or insecure

√ an appliance, fitting or fixture that is not working properly and causes a substantial amount of water to be

√ wasted

√ a serious fault in a lift or staircase

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How to request a non-urgent repair

For non-urgent repairs, you must notify the Property Manager in writing and kindly attach photos to describe the issue, advising them what needs to be repaired and giving them 14 days to carry out the repairs. Include the date of your request, so it is clear when this 14-day period will expire.