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Emergency repairs to rental properties


‘Emergency repairs’ are when the property is damaged and the damage will get worse if the repair is not completed as soon as possible.

Example: a broken window from a storm, and the property will become more damaged if the window is not fixed as soon as possible.

An owner must have an emergency repair done as soon as possible after the tenant tells them about it.

If the tenant can't contact the owner, they can arrange for the nominated repairer to undertake the repair and give their invoice to the owner. This is provided the nominated repairer's name is on the lease agreement.

If the owner has not nominated a repairer, or the nominated repairer is not available, the tenant can have a suitably qualified person do the repairs. This person is a suitable repairer. In this case, the tenant must pay the repairer and have the owner pay them back. See Reimbursement for cost of repairs.

Related information

Last updated: 06 Sep 2022

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