When damage occurs at your rental property, some repairs are classified as ‘urgent’ and must be completed within the legally mandated timeframes. Failing to do so could jeopardize your landlord insurance and lead to legal issues. Read on to learn more.
Damage to a rental property can happen just as it does to any other property. It might be the result of natural disasters, unexpected incidents like a car crashing into the home, accidents such as a child breaking a window with a ball, or even malicious acts like a tenant causing intentional damage.
While all damage needs to be addressed eventually, certain repairs are deemed ‘urgent’ or ‘emergency’ repairs. These must be completed promptly because the damage may render the property unsafe or uninhabitable.
What is an ‘Urgent Repair’?
An urgent repair generally involves any issue that compromises the structural integrity of the property, poses a risk to safety, makes the property insecure, or disrupts access to essential services.
The definition of an urgent repair varies by state, with each state’s residential tenancy laws specifying the repairs that must be undertaken and the timeframe for completion. Landlords and their agents can face serious consequences if they fail to meet these repair obligations.
In many areas, tenants have the right to arrange urgent repairs themselves and seek reimbursement if the landlord or agent does not act within the required timeframe.
Therefore, it’s crucial to know what qualifies as an urgent repair in your state and how long you have to address it. Our state-by-state guide on urgent repairs provides detailed information.
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand how this affects your landlord insurance. Making urgent repairs within the legal timeframes not only protects your tenants and helps you avoid legal trouble but also safeguards your insurance coverage.
Landlord insurance policies typically require that you act lawfully, meaning you must comply with all relevant laws, including those governing repairs. Failing to meet your legal obligations can jeopardize any claim you might make on your policy.
Additionally, maintaining the property is another common condition of landlord insurance. Neglecting urgent repairs could mean failing to meet this condition, which could negatively impact your coverage.
Victoria rundown on urgent repairs
Note: This information is provided as a guide only and should not be relied upon. Landlords and agents should refer to the current residential tenancy act or tenancy authority in their jurisdiction for the most up-to-date information.
Urgent repairs 
The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 notes an urgent repair is required for:
- 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;
- an essential service or appliance for hot water, water, cooking, heating, or laundering is not working;
- gas, electricity or water supply is not working;
- a cooling appliance or service provided by the rental provider is not working;
- the property does not meet minimum standards;
- a safety-related device, such as a smoke alarm or pool fence, is not working;
- an appliance, fitting or fixture that is not working and causes a lot of water to be wasted;
- any fault or damage in the property that makes it unsafe or insecure, including pests, mould or damp caused by or related to the building structure; or
- a serious problem with a lift or staircase.
Timeframe
Once notified of the need for an urgent repair, the landlord/agent must make urgent repairs immediately.
At Motion Property, we assist landlords and tenants with all maintenance and repairs. Our expert team can help you conduct a health check of your investment by reviewing your landlord insurance and other important aspects. Talk to Brooke at 0409 817 695.
