Tenants and property managers/owners are being urged to know their rights when it comes to emergency repairs in a tenanted property.
The tenant should contact the property manager/owner or the nominated repairer (listed on the tenancy agreement) about the problem. It is a good idea to put the request in writing as evidence of notification/request.
If an emergency repair is needed and the tenant is unable to contact the property manager/owner or the nominated repairer, the tenant may arrange for a suitably qualified person to carry out the emergency repairs up to the value of 2 weeks rent.
Under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 the Act states emergency repairs as:
• A burst water service or a serious water service leak
• A blocked or broken lavatory system or fittings
• A serious roof leak
• A gas leak
• A dangerous electrical fault
• Fooding or serious flood damage
• Serious storm, fire or impact damage
• A failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity or water supply to the premises
• A failure or breakdown of an essential service or appliance on premises for hot water, cooking or heating
• A fault or damage that makes premises unsafe or unsecure
• A fault or damage likely to injure a person, damage property or unduly inconvenience a tenant of the premises, or
• A serious fault in any staircase, lift or other common area which inhibits or unduly inconveniences residents in gaining access to or using the premises
Emergency Repairs are allocated as our highest priority as they should be carried out within a reasonable timeframe, normally no more than 7 days as a rule of thumb.
The landlord is contacted as soon as the notification is received, and the appropriate action is carried out swiftly. The outcome of the emergency is then communicated to both the landlord and the tenants.
The tenant should not stop paying rent to ensure repairs are made. Non-payment of rent is a breach of the agreement.
Under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act), property managers/owners must ensure rented premises are safe, secure, in good repair and fit for living.