Tenant Rights for Repairs in Queensland

As a tenant in Queensland, understanding your rights and responsibilities concerning repairs, maintenance, and urgent issues is crucial for fostering a positive rental experience. The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 governs these aspects to ensure that both tenants and landlords uphold their obligations within the rental agreement.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

In Queensland, your landlord is responsible for ensuring the property is maintained in a safe, secure, and livable condition. This includes addressing any repairs that may affect your health or safety promptly. Tenants must inform the landlord as soon as they are aware of any necessary repairs. Failure to do so might lead to further damage, for which tenants could be responsible.

Types of Repairs

• Routine Repairs: Include general maintenance issues like a leaky tap or broken light fitting. Landlords should address these in a reasonable time.
• Urgent Repairs: Involve essential services or severe problems affecting health and safety, such as burst water pipes or dangerous electrical faults.

For urgent repairs, tenants can arrange for repairs to be conducted up to a value of two weeks' rent if the landlord or agent fails to address the issue promptly. Ensure you keep receipts and inform your landlord immediately.

What to Do if Repairs are Needed

If you encounter an issue requiring repair, here’s a simple guide:

1. Notify Landlord: Contact your landlord or property manager in writing, describing the issue clearly.
2. Use the RTA Form 18a: Report repairs using the Entry Condition Report (Form 1a), especially for newly noticed issues. Available at Queensland Government forms.
3. Follow up: If repairs are not addressed, write a follow-up email or letter to your landlord, maintaining a record of all correspondence.
4. Seek Assistance: If the issue is still unresolved, contact the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) for dispute resolution.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you need assistance with tenancy issues, you can reach out to the following resources:

• Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) – Offers dispute resolution and information on rental rights.
• Legal Aid Queensland – Provides free legal advice and representation if eligible.
• Community Legal Centres Queensland – Offers assistance and support for various legal issues, including tenancy matters.

---

1. What counts as an urgent repair? Urgent repairs in Queensland include issues threatening your health or safety, such as a gas leak, dangerous electrical fault, or a broken water system.
2. Can tenants withhold rent for uncompleted repairs? No, tenants cannot withhold rent if repairs aren’t completed. Instead, they should follow proper channels to resolve the issue.
3. How long does a landlord have to fix routine repairs? Landlords must address routine repairs within a reasonable time, typically within 7–14 days, unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement.

How To Section: Handling Rental Repairs

1. How to report a repair issue to your landlord: Start by documenting the issue with photos or videos, and contact your landlord or property manager in writing.
2. How to handle urgent repairs: If urgent, contact your landlord immediately. If they’re unavailable, arrange the repair up to a value of two weeks' rent.
3. How to escalate unresolved repairs: Contact the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) for assistance with unresolved repair issues.

Key Takeaways

• Always report repairs promptly to your landlord to avoid further damage.
• Understand the difference between routine and urgent repairs and act accordingly.
• Utilize available resources, such as the RTA, for support with unresolved issues.

Categories

General Tenant Rights & Protections Tenancy Agreements & Renewals Rent, Bond & Holding Deposits Moving In & Condition Reports Ending a Tenancy & Moving Out Repairs, Maintenance & Urgent Issues Minimum Standards & Habitability Evictions & Breach Notices Co-Tenancies, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Equal Housing Access Disability Access & Reasonable Adjustments Utilities, Water & Internet Billing Public, Community & Social Housing Rent Increases & Rent Controls Privacy & Landlord Entry Rules Locks, Keys & Security Obligations Resolving Disputes & Tribunal Processes Harassment, Threats & Landlord Misconduct Boarding Houses, Rooming Houses & Lodgers Caravan Parks & Residential Parks Bond Refunds & Claims Notice Periods & Tenancy Termination Entry Condition Breaches & Compensation Tenant Advocacy & Legal Aid