During your Tenancy:

During your Tenancy:

As a tenant, it is your responsibility to make sure the property is in good condition when you move in, taking into account the age of the property and the amount of rent you pay.

If something breaks down, leaks or needs fixing, you should contact the landlord or agent as soon as possible.

If the issue isn’t urgent, make the repair request in writing and state what needs fixing and when you’d like it done by.

You are responsible for minor updates including: replacing light bulbs, changing the smoke detector batteries, cleaning windows, dusting, removing cobwebs and routine garden maintenance such as watering, mowing and weeding.

Urgent repairs

Urgent repairs include:

• 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 or serious flood damage
• 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 service
• 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 there is an urgent repair, you need to notify the landlord or agent right away and arrangements will be made as soon as possible. If you cannot reach them, check your tenancy agreement for the details of a nominated tradesperson to contact.

Doing repairs yourself

If urgent repairs are not done within a reasonable time, you can arrange for the work to be completed and be reimbursed, up to $1,000 by the landlord. You must be able to prove:

• The need for the urgent repair was not your fault
• You contacted the landlord or agent about the problem or made a 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 (if appropriate).
• Damage caused by you

If you, or an invited guest causes damage to the property, you need to notify the landlord or agent as soon as possible. You might be asked to pay for this damage to be repaired.