The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act) states that there are two types of repairs:
- routine repairs (any repairs that are not defined as emergency repairs in the Act)
- emergency (general tenancies only).
The responsibility of the repair depends on if the issue is a result of a tenant or their guest damaging the property, or if the issue is a result of fair wear and tear.
Example: if a tenant breaks a window by throwing a ball through it, they are responsible and have to pay for repairs.
Example: if a window falls out of the frame, and breaks, due to ageing putty that may be fair wear and tear and the property manager/owner may have to pay for repairs.
The property manager/owner must carry out repairs within a reasonable time and comply with entry rules.
If there are any delays with repairs, the RTA recommends property managers/owners inform the tenant and keep the lines of communication open until the repair is finalised.