How To Resolve Unexpected Emergency Repairs at Your Rental Property
Even the most experienced Landlord or Property Manager may struggle when encountering unexpected emergencies. It’s wise to review regulations under Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (RTRA Act) as well as your own emergency action plans.
Under the RTRA Act, a Landlord or Property Manager may enter the rental property in an emergency, or if they believe on reasonable grounds that the entry is necessary to protect the premises or inclusions from imminent or further damage. If this is the case, the Landlord or Property Manager may do so without giving the tenant notice of the proposed entry.
The RTRA act lists the following as emergency repairs:
- a burst water service or a serious water service leak;
- a blocked or broken lavatory system;
- a serious roof leak;
- a gas leak;
- a dangerous electrical fault;
- flooding or serious flood damage;
- serious storm, fire or impact damage;
- a failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity or water supply to the premises;
- a failure or breakdown of an essential service or appliance on premises for hot water, cooking or heating;
- a fault or damage that makes the premises unsafe or insecure;
- a fault or damage likely to injure a person, damage property or unduly inconvenience a tenant of the premises;
- a serious fault in a staircase, lift or other common area of premises that unduly inconveniences a tenant in gaining access to, or using, the premises.
Once an emergency repair has been identified, it is best practice to arrange for the necessary repairs to be carried out on the same day that it is reported. Responsible Landlords and Property Managers should have at hand a list of preferred contractors that meet the required standards of the agency. They should also keep the tenant informed of the progress of the repair.
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