Tell us about what needs fixing via email

Please send us an email when there is a repair.

Our email address for repair is [email protected].

Please mention the following information in your email:

  • Address
  • What need to be repaired.
  • Why it needs to be repaired
  • Where is it
  • Tenant’s name
  • Mobile
  • Preferred date
  • Photos *(must attach)

Example

Emergency repair assistance for accommodations
Student requesting repair services

Getting repairs done on a rental property

Official information by: NSW Fair Trading

There are two types of repairs: urgent repairs and non-urgent repairs.

In both circumstances you should contact your landlord or real estate agent first. If you require urgent repairs and you can't contact your landlord or agent, then you can contact a repair person yourself - see your residential tenancy agreement for approved or preferred tradespeople to use - and have the costs reimbursed up to $1,000.

What is an 'urgent repair'?

Urgent repairs are for any issue that threatens a property's structural integrity, poses a risk to lives, makes a property unsafe or insecure, or prevents access to essential services.

Under the NSW residential tenancy laws, an 'urgent repair' means:

  • a gas leak
  • a dangerous electrical fault
  • flooding or serious flood damage
  • serious storm or fire damage
  • a failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity or water supply to the property
  • a failure or breakdown of any essential service for hot water, cooking, heating, cooling or laundering
  • a fault or damage which makes the property unsafe or insecure
  • a burst water service
  • an appliance, fitting or fixture that uses water or is used to supply water that is broken or not functioning properly, so that a substantial amount of water is being wasted
  • a blocked or broken toilet
  • a serious roof leak.

This rule does not include work needed to repair premises that are owned by a person other than the landlord or a person having superior title (such as a head landlord) to the landlord.

Smoke alarms are also considered 'urgent' to ensure they are working, but there are different rules about their repair. Get more information about repair and maintenance of smoke alarms.

The tenant must notify the landlord or agent of urgent repair needs straight away.

If the landlord or agent does not fix the problem then tenants need to refer to their tenancy agreement to get details of approved repairers. Tenants can then follow the steps to getting urgent repairs done.

Steps to get urgent repairs done

  1. Request repairs from the landlord or agent

    Tell them – in writing if possible – about what needs fixing.

  2. Follow up if you do not hear back

    Follow up any conversations in writing.

  3. Keep a copy of your requests

    Keep a copy of any correspondence or conversations as evidence.

  4. If you don't hear back, check your lease for repair contacts

    If your landlord or agent cannot be contacted or is unwilling or taking too long to arrange repairs, check whether your lease includes details of a preferred tradesperson.

  5. Get the repairs done

    Get the repair work done by a licensed tradesperson, preferably one that has been recommended on your lease.

    Your landlord or agent may not have to reimburse you for the cost of the repair if:

    • you caused the damage
    • you didn’t try to contact them about the repair
    • you didn’t give them a reasonable amount of time to organise the repair
    • the repair was not carried out by a licensed tradesperson.
  6. Send details of repairs and costs to your landlord or agent

    Make sure you send written details of repairs, including receipts for the costs, so you can get repaid.

  7. Get paid back up to $1,000 within 14 days

    You can get repaid for the cost of the work up to $1,000. Your landlord or agent must pay you back within 14 days of your notice.

What is a 'non-urgent' repair?

Non-urgent repairs are those that do not need fixing right away. For example, a broken cupboard or a cracked glass window. They are not threatening the property's structure or endangering lives, but will need to be done to keep the property in reasonable condition.