Emergency Repairs In Rental Properties

Where rental properties are concerned there is always a few rules to abide by. These rules or laws are in place for both the lessor and the tenant. By following these rules all parties involved ensures the right thing is done by each other and potential issues are avoided, each party is protected. There is rarely an exception to these rules, particularly where repairs are involved. There is a difference between how ordinary repairs are taken care of compared to emergency repairs and this article will outline what is to be done for the latter.

What is classed as emergency and how it should be organized?

If you are ever unsure what you should do when an emergency repair is needed then you can refer to your tenancy agreement. All expectations regarding the property, including what to do for repairs, should be included in this document by your Brisbane property managers. The first thing you should always do is to contact your leasing office. If you are unable to do so, you will either find the agreement states you need to contact a specified repairer for the repairs to be carried out or that the agent/lessor should be contacted immediately. The list of repairs classed as emergencies according to the Act is as follows:

• A broken or blocked toilet
• Burst water service or leak
• A serious roof leak
• Leaking gas
• Any fault or damage that may cause injury, unsafe surroundings or undue inconvenience. These can be locks that are broken, electrical faults and broken stairs.

What to do if the agreement can't be followed.

There may be situations where the tenant is unable to follow what is expected on the agreement. For example, for whatever reason, they cannot get in touch with wither the leasing office or the nominated repairer. In this instance then the tenant may find an alternate qualified repairer so long as the cost is to a maximum amount of two week rent. The repairer can either bill the lessor/agent if this is suitable or the tenant may pay and be reimbursed. A copy of the invoice must be provided to the lessor/agent and a short statement explaining the scenario. At all times rent must be paid by the tenant and never be used as a way to get repairs carried out.