Emergency Repairs – What Tenants Need to Know
Under Queensland’s Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008, repairs fall into two categories: emergency repairs and routine repairs. Emergency repairs are clearly defined under the Act, while all other issues are considered routine.
Emergency repairs include:
If an emergency repair is needed, tenants should contact the emergency repair person listed on their tenancy agreement as soon as they become aware of the problem. We have also listed our contacts below for your convenience.
If the emergency repair contact cannot be reached within a reasonable time, tenants (or the property manager) may arrange for repairs up to the value of four weeks’ rent. Where possible, the repair should be carried out by the repairer named on the lease, but if they are unavailable, another suitably qualified tradesperson may be used.
If a tenant pays for the emergency repair, they must request reimbursement in writing and provide receipts. The property manager or owner has seven days to reimburse the cost.
For full details and further information, please visit the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA).
The troubleshooting guides attached will ensure you are only contacting your property manager or their preferred trades person in the case of an emergency repair. There is one for electricity and one for hot water. It's very important that you read these to prevent any unwanted costs for you or the landlord.
Our preferred trades people are:
Plumbing and Gas
Aptus Plumbing and Gas 07 3205 1991
GRK Plumbing 0412 425 005
Electricians
Silvio’s Electrical 07 3353 3288
Ehlerth Electrical 1800 940 413
Smoke Alarms
Property Compliance Australia 1300 552 661
Handyman
RJG Property Maintenance 0449 053 251
Locksmith*
Amalgamated Locksmiths 07 3252 7872
* Please note that if a property is on a registered key system with a specific locksmith as is common in newer unit blocks, the registered locksmith details will be noted on the key, and the registered locksmith should be contacted for access to prevent additional rekeying costs. In the event a tenant is locked out as a result of losing or forgetting keys, they are solely responsible for all costs associated with gaining re-entry to the property, and rekeying where required.