How to Respond to a Repair Order
A repair order is an order made by the Queensland Civil and Administration Tribunal (QCAT) addressing routine or emergency repairs that are needed to the rental property or its inclusions. Repair orders ensure Landlords or Property Managers take action to address repairs to a rental property and its inclusions in a timely manner.
A repair order includes any order or direction QCAT considers appropriate in the circumstances. For example, the order may include a due date for when the repair must be made by; who will pay for the repairs; or if rent will be reduced of compensation paid to the tenant for loss of amenities.
A repair order continues to apply to the rental property until it is complied with. Repair orders do not expire with the ending of a tenancy agreement or a change of ownership. This means a repair order can still be in place even if a new tenancy agreement is signed, new tenants move in, the property manager changes, or a property is sold.
Repair orders apply to all types of tenancy agreements, except moveable dwelling short tenancy and rooming accommodation agreements.
According to the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA), the Landlord/Property Manager must comply with any directions made by QCAT in the order.
If you believe you can’t comply with a repair order due date, you should make an urgent application to QCAT for a time extension prior to the due date of the repair order to avoid non-compliance.
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