Maintenance issues can happen in any rental property. Knowing whether a repair is urgent and providing the right information can help your property manager arrange the appropriate support sooner.
Always report rental property repairs as soon as you notice them. Include a clear description and photos or videos where possible.
What is considered an urgent rental repair?
An urgent repair is generally an issue that affects safety, security or an essential service, or could cause serious damage to the property.Examples may include:
- A gas leak or dangerous electrical fault
- Flooding, fire or serious storm damage
- A burst water service or serious water leak
- A blocked or broken toilet
- A serious roof leak
- A failure of the electricity, gas or water supply
- A breakdown of an essential hot water, cooking, heating or cooling service
- Damage that makes the property unsafe or insecure
- A smoke alarm that is not working
Urgent rental property repairs should be reported immediately.If the issue occurs after hours, follow the urgent repair instructions provided by your property manager or contact the nominated emergency repair service listed in your tenancy information. Do not rely solely on submitting a standard online maintenance request.Where there is an immediate threat to someone’s safety, contact emergency services first.
What is a non-urgent repair?
Non-urgent repairs still require attention but do not present an immediate safety, security or property risk.Examples may include:
- A broken cupboard handle
- A damaged flyscreen
- A door or drawer that is difficult to open
- A faulty non-essential appliance
- Minor damage to walls, flooring or fixtures
These issues may not require an after-hours response, but they should still be reported promptly. Even small leaks or minor maintenance problems can become more serious when left unattended.
What should you include in a maintenance request?
Clear information helps your property manager understand the issue and arrange the right tradesperson.Include:
- Your name and property address
- The location of the issue
- A clear description of what happened
- When you first noticed it
- Whether it is becoming worse
- Photos or videos, where possible
- Any immediate safety or security concerns
For example, instead of writing, “The tap is broken,” provide more detail:“The kitchen tap began leaking underneath the sink this morning. It continues to leak when turned off, and I have placed a container underneath it. I have attached a photo and video.”
What happens after you report a repair?
Once reported, the property management team will assess the information provided.Depending on the issue, they may:
- Ask for further details
- Request additional photos or videos
- Contact the property owner
- Arrange for a tradesperson to attend
- Organise access to the property
Keep an eye on your phone and email after submitting your request. Responding promptly can help the repair move forward more efficiently.It is also helpful to keep a written record of urgent repair requests and any related communication.
Are you a Lifestyle tenant? Meet Alex
Lifestyle tenants can access additional support through Alex, our friendly property assistant.Alex is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is free to use, and no account is required.You can ask Alex questions such as:
- “I need to report a maintenance issue.”
- “How much is my rent and when is it due?”
- “When is my next inspection scheduled?”
- “How do I access a recent rental ledger?”
- “I need to add someone to my tenancy.”
Alex can help with common tenancy questions and guide you to the right information at any time.Access Alex through our Tenant Resources page, or send an SMS containing the word “Lifestyle” to 0488 883 644.