Here’s a guide on urgent repairs in your rental property—what they are, how to report them, and what steps to take if they aren’t addressed promptly. Knowing your rights and the correct procedures will help ensure that any critical issues in your home are resolved quickly.
What are urgent repairs?
Urgent or emergency repairs are issues that need immediate attention because they make your home unsafe or unlivable. These include problems such as burst water pipes, gas leaks, major roof leaks, dangerous electrical faults, or breakdowns of essential services like heating, cooling, or hot water. These repairs must be made as soon as possible under tenancy laws.
Reporting urgent repairs
If you encounter an urgent repair, contact your landlord or property manager right away by phone. Even if the issue seems resolved after the call, it’s important to follow up with a written request—either via email, text, or using an official maintenance form from your agent. This written record ensures you have proof of reporting the issue, which may be crucial if further action is needed. In some states, there are official forms you can use to help expedite the process.
What to do if urgent repairs aren’t addressed
If your landlord doesn’t respond to an urgent repair immediately, you have the right to escalate the matter. If the repair is urgent and still not addressed, in some states, you can organise and pay for the repair yourself up to a specified amount based on your state legislation, with reimbursement from the rental provider required within a set timeframe. If the landlord doesn’t reimburse you, you can apply to the tribunal for compensation.
What if it’s not clearly urgent?
Sometimes, it can be hard to determine if a repair qualifies as urgent. For example, if only your stove isn’t working, is it considered urgent? The law generally considers failure of an essential appliance like a stove as urgent, but if you’re unsure, it’s always better to report the issue and err on the side of caution.
We hope this guide helps you understand how to handle urgent repairs in your rental property. Acting quickly and following the correct procedures will help ensure critical issues are resolved, keeping your home safe and comfortable. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact your property manager or seek additional advice.
A key topic that often comes up for landlords is ensuring your property meets the cleanliness standards outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act within your state. Cleanliness is a crucial aspect of maintaining your rental property and ensuring a positive relationship with your tenants.
Step 1: Understanding cleanliness requirements
First, let’s talk about what the law says. Under the relevant tenancies act, landlords are required to ensure that the property is in a clean condition at the start of a tenancy. But what does clean actually mean? The term isn’t just about having a spotless home; it’s about meeting a community standard of cleanliness that ensures the property is safe and habitable.
Step 2: Key areas of focus
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s expected:
Step 3: The importance of the condition report
The condition report plays a crucial role in ensuring clarity between you and your tenant. Before your tenant moves in, provide them with a detailed condition report that outlines the state of the property. This document will serve as a reference at the end of the tenancy, helping both parties agree on what “ clean” looks like based on the starting condition of the property.
Step 4: Professional cleaning clauses
Another important point is around professional cleaning. In most states, you can’t require professional cleaning upon vacating, even if the property was professionally cleaned before they moved in and you informed them of this. However, remember it is still advisable to ensure the property is properly cleaned and set the standard for the end of the tenancy.
Step 5: Resolving disputes and keeping standards
If any disputes arise about cleanliness at the end of the tenancy, the condition report and any photographs taken at the start will be crucial. Remember, cleanliness isn’t about achieving a pristine condition but rather ensuring the property is left in a state that matches how it was provided, accounting for fair wear and tear.
We hope this guide helps clarify the cleanliness standards expected for rental properties. By understanding these requirements and keeping detailed records, you can maintain a positive relationship with your renters and ensure your property is well-maintained throughout the tenancy.