Urgent repairs are often a hot topic as the definition often means one thing to a tenant and another to a property investor.
The definition of an urgent or emergency repair are set out in legislation which mandates what constitutes an emergency repair and who is responsible for arranging and paying for the repair.
In NSW, an urgent or emergency repair may consist of: -
· A burst water service or pipe
· A blocked or broken lavatory (toilet) system
· A serious roof leak
· A gas leak
· A dangerous electrical fault
· Serious storm or fire damage
· Failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity or water supply to the premises
· Failure or breakdown of any essential service on the residential premises for hot water, cooking, heating, cooling or laundering.
· Any other fault or damage that may cause the premises to be unsafe or insecure
When an emergency or urgent repair is reported during business hours to a property manager, they will generally make an assessment of whether the repair is urgent based upon the definition under The Residential Tenancies Act and will report it immediately to you for authorisation to appoint a contractor.
However, in the event where a tenant has directly had to arrange an emergency or urgent repair and where certain criteria has been met, the landlord may be responsible for reimbursing the tenant any reasonable costs not exceeding $1,000 for arranging such repairs.
It is always best practice to keep your investment property well maintained and ensure repairs and maintenance are attended to promptly. Not only could you be saving yourself money in the long run you will maintain a more positive relationship with your tenant.