Repairs and Maintenance

What’s the difference between repairs and maintenance?

Repairs involve fixing broken or malfunctioning assets after downtime to minimize losses.
Maintenance is proactive and aims to prevent unexpected asset downtime by preserving functionality.

How does a tenant request a repair be made?

There are two types of repairs: urgent repairs and non-urgent repairs.
In both circumstances you should contact your landlord or real estate agent first.

What is an ‘urgent repair’?

Urgent repairs are for any issue that threatens a property’s structural integrity, poses a risk to lives, makes a property unsafe or insecure, or prevents access to essential services.
Under the NSW residential tenancy laws, an ‘urgent repair’ means:
-a gas leak
-a dangerous electrical fault
-flooding or serious flood damage
-serious storm or fire damage
-a failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity or water supply to the property
-a failure or breakdown of any essential service for hot water, cooking, heating, cooling or laundering
-a fault or damage which makes the property unsafe or insecure
-a burst water service
-an appliance, fitting or fixture that uses water or is used to supply water that is broken or not functioning properly, so that a substantial amount of water is being wasted
-a blocked or broken toilet
-a serious roof leak.

The tenant must notify the landlord or agent of urgent repair needs straight away.

Ainsley’s top tip: Always advise the agent straight away in writing and follow up with a phone call, that way you have proof of the date you reported it.

What is a ‘non-urgent’ repair?

Non-urgent repairs are those that do not need fixing right away. For example, a broken cupboard or a cracked glass window. They are not threatening the property’s structure or endangering lives, but will need to be done to keep the property in reasonable condition.

So what is Maintenance?

Maintenance is the ongoing maintenance of a property to keep the property in good order so as to prevent repairs. Some good examples of maintenance are servicing of air conditioning units, termite inspections and treatments,
Landlords also need to consider long term plans for property improvements. At REFCA Realty Group, our landlords receive recommendations on improvements that may be needed at their investment property to maximise the rental income.

Ask me more: pm@refcarealty.com

Southern Highlands Emergency Trades

Plumber:  Complete Plumbing Solutions – 0419 294 225

Electrician: Eddy Cullen Electrical – 0437 907 969

Locksmith: Alpine Locksmiths Southern Highlands – 02 4868 1317

Goulburn Mulwaree Emergency Trades

Plumber: Complete Plumbing Solutions – 0419 294 225

Electrician: Wingello Electrical – 0401 751 567

Locksmith: Argyle Locksmiths Goulburn – 02 4821 3893

SES: 132 500