Top Issues Tenants Face With Repairs in ACT

Repairs, Maintenance & Urgent Issues Australian Capital Territory published July 03, 2025 Flag of Australian Capital Territory

Renters in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) often encounter issues related to repairs and maintenance in their rental properties. Understanding your rights and knowing the common problems can empower you to manage these situations effectively. This article explores the top repair and maintenance challenges faced by tenants in the ACT, helping you navigate urgent issues with confidence.

Common Repair and Maintenance Issues

Tenants in the ACT may face a range of issues related to property maintenance, repairing faulty installations, and addressing urgent concerns. Here are some of the most common challenges:

Delayed Repairs

One of the most frequent complaints is delayed repairs. Renters often report waiting extended periods for their landlord to address issues such as leaky roofs, plumbing problems, or broken appliances. According to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, landlords are obligated to ensure their properties are maintained in good condition.

Urgent Repairs

Urgent repairs are defined as those necessary to fix essential services or avoid property damage. Common urgent repairs include burst water pipes, gas leaks, or electrical faults. In such cases, the tenant should immediately contact the landlord or agent to arrange for repairs.

If the landlord cannot be reached or delays repairs, tenants may be entitled to arrange them and seek reimbursement, but must notify the landlord in writing first.

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities

It is crucial to understand both the landlord's and tenant's rights and responsibilities concerning repairs and maintenance. Here are some key points from the Residential Tenancies Act to consider:

  • Tenants must promptly report any damage or need for repair to the landlord.
  • Landlords must address urgent repairs immediately and other repairs within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Failure to carry out repairs can be grounds for a tenant to apply for an order from the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).

Steps to Take When Facing Repair Issues

  1. Report the Problem: Notify your landlord or property manager as soon as you notice an issue. Use email to maintain a record of your communication.
  2. Understand the Timeline: Familiarize yourself with what constitutes urgent repairs and the timelines expected for repairs.
  3. Seek Assistance: If repairs are not addressed, you can apply to ACAT for help in resolving the issue.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you're facing challenges with repairs and maintenance, several resources can help:

  1. What should I do if my landlord ignores repair requests? Contact them in writing, and if no action is taken, apply to ACAT for dispute resolution.
  2. Are there any time limits on responses to repair requests? Yes, urgent repairs should be attended to immediately, while other repairs should be addressed within a reasonable period, as specified in your tenancy agreement.
  3. Can tenants make repairs themselves? For urgent repairs, tenants may have the repairs done and seek reimbursement, but they must notify the landlord first and follow proper procedures.

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Australia

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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