WA Repairs, Maintenance & Urgent Issues Guide

As a renter in Western Australia, understanding your rights and responsibilities regarding repairs, maintenance, and urgent issues is crucial. This guide provides answers to common questions, highlights the relevant laws, and explains the steps you should take to ensure your rental property remains in good condition.

Understanding Your Responsibilities

As a tenant, it’s important to maintain the property and report any issues as soon as they arise. Routine maintenance such as keeping the property clean and addressing minor repairs is typically your responsibility, while significant repairs fall to the landlord.

Handling Urgent Repairs

Urgent repairs require immediate attention and typically include issues like:

• Broken water pipes or serious water leaks
• Gas leaks
• Faults or damage that make the premises unsafe or insecure

If urgent repairs are needed, you must notify the landlord or their agent immediately. If the landlord does not act promptly, the law allows you to organise repairs yourself, but the cost must be no more than $1,000. You can be reimbursed by providing a written notice to the landlord along with the invoice of the repair work.

Making a Repair Request

For non-urgent repairs, contact your landlord or agent in writing. It is advisable to use a routine repair request form for record-keeping. Always ensure you keep a copy of each correspondence.

Tip: Emailing your request ensures there's a timestamped record of communication.

When Landlords Don't Respond

If the landlord fails to respond to repair requests within the expected timeframe, you can apply to the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) for an order to enforce the repairs.

The key legislation governing these matters is the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA), which outlines the rights and obligations of both tenants and landlords in Western Australia¹.

1. Can I end my tenancy if repairs are not made? Yes, but only if the property becomes uninhabitable and following the correct legal procedures.
2. Who is responsible for pest control? This depends on your lease agreement, but landlords typically handle structural-related infestations.
3. What is considered an urgent repair? Urgent repairs are those that affect safety or security, such as broken locks or gas leaks.

1. How to request urgent repairs?
   1. Step 1: Immediately contact your landlord by phone to notify them of the urgency.
   2. Step 2: Follow up with a written notice, detailing the repair needed.
   3. Step 3: If no action is taken, arrange repairs yourself and seek reimbursement, keeping within the $1,000 limit.

• Always keep records of all repair requests and communications with your landlord.
• Know your rights under the Consumer Protection WA services for additional support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Consumer Protection WA
• State Administrative Tribunal (SAT)
• Tenancy WA

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¹ Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA)

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