Your Rights on Repairs in Queensland

As a renter in Queensland, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding repairs, maintenance, and urgent issues in your rental property. Knowing what you are entitled to and the appropriate steps to take can help you maintain a safe and livable environment.

Understanding Repairs and Maintenance

In Queensland, the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 governs the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords concerning repair and maintenance issues. As a tenant, you are entitled to a property that is in good repair and safe to live in.

Types of Repairs

• Routine Repairs: These are general maintenance issues that are non-urgent, such as a leaking tap or a broken cupboard handle.
• Urgent Repairs: These include dangerous situations or issues that significantly affect your living conditions, such as a burst water main or a gas leak.

Requesting Repairs

If there are issues with your rental property, you should notify your landlord or property manager in writing as soon as possible. You can use the RTA Form 19 - Notice to Remedy Breach for this purpose, which can be accessed on the Queensland Government website.

Tip: Always keep a copy of all correspondence with your landlord for your records.

Steps for Handling Urgent Repairs

If urgent repairs are needed, you first need to contact your landlord or property manager. If they fail to act in a reasonable time, you are allowed to arrange for the repairs yourself and may be reimbursed by your landlord for reasonable costs. Always consult your rental agreement or seek legal advice before taking action.

Dispute Resolution

Should a disagreement arise regarding repairs, tenants in Queensland can seek resolution through the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA). They offer a free dispute resolution service for tenants and landlords.

6. Read your lease agreement to understand your entitlements and obligations regarding repairs.
7. Contact your landlord or property manager as soon as a repair issue arises, using written communication.
8. Familiarize yourself with official forms, like the RTA Form 19, for lodging repair requests.
9. If necessary, contact the RTA for dispute resolution or further assistance.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)
• Queensland Government Housing and Homelessness Services
• Community Legal Centres Queensland

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1. What is considered an urgent repair? In Queensland, urgent repairs include issues that pose a risk to health or safety or affect essential services like water or electricity.
2. How should I notify my landlord about a repair? You should provide written notice to your landlord, using official forms like the RTA Form 19 to document your request.
3. What if my landlord refuses to make repairs? If your landlord fails to address repair issues, you can seek assistance from the Residential Tenancies Authority for mediation or apply for a tribunal order.

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• Check the lease agreement to understand repair obligations.
• Always provide written communication for repair requests to maintain records.
• Utilize the RTA for mediation if disputes arise.

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1. How to request urgent repairs in Queensland
   1. Step 1: Identify the repair - Determine if the issue is urgent and needs immediate attention.
   2. Step 2: Notify your landlord - Use written communication, like an email, to inform your landlord of the issue.
   3. Step 3: Arrange repairs if necessary - If your landlord doesn’t respond, you can organize the repair and seek reimbursement.

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• Familiarize with urgent repairs - Know what qualifies as urgent and start with notifying your landlord.
• Use the right forms - Simple forms like RTA Form 19 can document your requests effectively.
• Dispute resolution capability - Utilize the RTA’s free dispute service if necessary.

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• The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008
• The Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth) is relevant legislation at the federal level.
• Legislation Source for Australia

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