logos

Reimbursement of repair costs to a rental property


If repairs are done by a suitable repairer (see Urgent Repairs  or Emergency Repairs ), the tenant should pay the invoice, and then give the owner:

  • a statement from the repairer about the cause of the need for repair and
  • a copy of the invoice and
  • a copy of the receipt of payment.

The owner is to repay the tenant within 14 days after receiving this information, unless they apply to the Court within these 14 days to dispute the repayment.

Disputing an invoice for repair costs

An owner may only dispute an invoice if:

  • the owner was not notified of the need for repair or
  • the need for repair was the fault of the tenant or
  • because the tenant did not do as they should have done under their lease or
  • the tenant authorised and had urgent repairs carried out without waiting 24 hours for the owner to do it.

The Court may order an owner to reimburse the tenant:

  • the full amount or
  • some of the invoice or
  • none of the invoice.

This does not apply to boarding houses

Last updated: 06 Sep 2022

This page has been produced and published by the Consumer Building and Occupational Services Division of the Department of Justice. Although every care has been taken in production, no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy, completeness, or relevance to the user's purpose of the information. Those using it for whatever purpose are advised to verify it with the relevant government department, local government body or other source and to obtain any appropriate professional advice. The Crown, its officers, employees and agents do not accept liability however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information and/or reliance on its availability at any time.