Understanding Repairs and Maintenance Needs in Victoria

As a renter in Victoria, it's essential to know your rights and responsibilities when it comes to repairs and maintenance. Navigating these issues promptly can ensure your home remains safe and habitable, while also maintaining a good relationship with your landlord.

What Constitutes an Urgent Repair?

In Victoria, urgent repairs are those that are necessary to avoid danger to health and maintain safety in a rental property. This includes situations like broken gas appliances, burst water pipes, or serious roof leaks. If faced with these issues, renters should notify their landlord immediately and expect rapid action.

Steps to Take for Urgent Repairs

1. Contact the Landlord: Notify your landlord or agent in writing as soon as possible.
2. Use the Repairs Form: If repairs are not addressed, fill out a Repairs Notice Form [1].
3. Seek Orders from VCAT: If necessary repairs are not made promptly, apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for an urgent order [2].

Handling Non-Urgent Repairs

Non-urgent repairs cover general wear and tear or less severe issues like a leaky tap or a broken oven. While not immediate threats, these still require attention, following a different protocol:

Request for Non-Urgent Repairs

1. Submit a Written Request: Provide your landlord a written notice or email detailing the issue.
2. Follow Up: If there's no response within 14 days, you can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria for advice.
3. Apply to VCAT: If unresolved, applications can be made to VCAT using a VCAT Application Form [3].

Tenant Responsibilities

Renters also have responsibilities, such as maintaining the cleanliness and condition of the property throughout their tenancy. Minor upkeep tasks, like changing light bulbs and cleaning, fall under the tenant's duties.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Consumer Affairs Victoria: Offers guidance on renting rights and responsibilities.
• Tenants Victoria: Provides legal advice and advocacy for renters.
• VCAT: Handles tenancy disputes and urgent repair orders.

---

1. What should I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs? If your landlord refuses to make repairs, document your requests and contact Consumer Affairs Victoria for guidance. You may also apply to VCAT for a repair order.
2. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren't made? No, withholding rent due to repair issues is not allowed under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 [4]. Instead, follow proper procedures and seek legal advice if necessary.
3. How quickly should urgent repairs be made? Urgent repairs should be addressed immediately by the landlord, generally within two to three days, depending on the issue's severity.

1. How to request repairs in Victoria
   1. Verify if the repair is urgent: Assess whether the issue poses an immediate risk to health or safety.
   2. Notify the landlord: Send a detailed written communication, either by mail or digital means, about the repair requirement.
   3. Complete the Repairs Notice Form: If repairs are delayed, fill out a Repairs Notice Form and submit it to your landlord.

In conclusion, understanding and executing your repair rights efficiently in Victoria ensures a safe and functional rental home. Keep all communications documented, and seek external advice and tribunal orders when needed.

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