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Here’s a guide on urgent repairs in your rental property—what they are, how to report them, and what steps to take if they aren’t addressed promptly. Knowing your rights and the correct procedures will help ensure that any critical issues in your home are resolved quickly.
What are urgent repairs?
Urgent or emergency repairs are issues that need immediate attention because they make your home unsafe or unliveable. These include problems such as burst water pipes, gas leaks, major roof leaks, dangerous electrical faults, or breakdowns of essential services like heating, cooling, or hot water. These repairs must be made as soon as possible under tenancy laws.
Reporting urgent repairs
If you encounter an urgent repair, contact your landlord or property manager right away by phone. Even if the issue seems resolved after the call, it’s important to follow up with a written request—either via email, text, or using an official maintenance form from your agent. This written record ensures you have proof of reporting the issue, which may be crucial if further action is needed. In some states, there are official forms you can use to help expedite the process.
What to do if urgent repairs aren’t addressed
If your landlord doesn’t respond to an urgent repair immediately, you have the right to escalate the matter. If the repair is urgent and still not addressed, in some states, you can organise and pay for the repair yourself up to a specified amount based on your state legislation, with reimbursement from the rental provider required within a set timeframe. If the landlord doesn’t reimburse you, you can apply to the tribunal for compensation.
What if it’s not clearly urgent?
Sometimes, it can be hard to determine if a repair qualifies as urgent. For example, if only your stove isn’t working, is it considered urgent? The law generally considers failure of an essential appliance like a stove as urgent, but if you’re unsure, it’s always better to report the issue and err on the side of caution.
We hope this guide helps you understand how to handle urgent repairs in your rental property. Acting quickly and following the correct procedures will help ensure critical issues are resolved, keeping your home safe and comfortable. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact your property manager or seek additional advice.