Rental repairs in Victoria: urgent repairs and who calls the tradie

What counts as an urgent repair

Victorian law lists the repairs that are urgent. Anything not on the list is a non-urgent repair.

• A burst water service
• A blocked or broken toilet system
• A serious roof leak
• A gas leak
• A dangerous electrical fault
• Flooding or serious flood damage
• Serious storm or fire damage
• An essential service or appliance for hot water, water, cooking, heating or laundering that isn't working
• Gas, electricity or water supply not working
• A cooling appliance or service provided by the rental provider that isn't working
• The property not meeting the rental minimum standards
• A safety device, such as a smoke alarm or pool fence, not working
• An appliance, fitting or fixture that isn't working and wastes a lot of water
• Any fault or damage that makes the property unsafe or insecure, such as a lock that won't secure the door
• A serious problem with a lift or staircase

Who arranges an urgent repair

Tell the rental provider (the landlord) or their agent first, in writing if you can. They must make urgent repairs immediately.

If you've told them and they haven't responded promptly, you can arrange the repair yourself, as long as it costs $2,500 or less. Keep the receipts, and within 7 days of the repair, give the rental provider written notice asking to be paid back. They then have 7 days to pay. If they don't, you can apply to Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria, and then to VCAT.

You can't arrange an urgent repair costing more than $2,500 yourself. Apply to Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria instead, which reviews urgent repair applications within two business days.

Everything else: the 14-day rule

Rental providers must make non-urgent repairs within 14 days of getting a written request. If they don't, you can ask Consumer Affairs Victoria for a repairs inspection, or apply to Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria or VCAT.

Smoke alarms, gas and electrical safety

Rental providers must keep every smoke alarm correctly installed and working, and test them at least once every 12 months. A smoke alarm that isn't working is an urgent repair. Renters should report a faulty alarm and must not disable or remove one; anyone can change a battery, but a hardwired alarm is installed by an electrician.

Rental providers must also have a gas safety check done every two years by a licensed or registered gasfitter, and the electrical installation checked every two years by a licensed or registered electrician. Since 29 March 2023, power outlets and lighting circuits must be protected by circuit breakers and safety switches.

Changes renters can make without asking

Unless the property is on the Victorian Heritage Register, renters can install these without the rental provider's consent: picture hooks or screws for wall mounts, shelves or brackets, and wall anchors to secure furniture, on any surface except exposed brick or concrete; LED globes that don't need new fittings; low-flow shower heads (keep the original); and removable, non-hardwired security cameras or alarms that don't affect the neighbours' privacy.

Some changes need consent, but the rental provider can't refuse without a good reason. They include the same fixings on exposed brick or concrete, flyscreens, painting, a secure letterbox, and changing a lock. A renter who changes a lock must give a key to the rental provider and the other renters.

Writing a repair request

A clear written request starts the clock and helps the tradie who's sent. Email works, and keeps a record.

• What's wrong, where, and since when
• Photos
• Whether it's on the urgent list
• When the tradie can get in, and how to reach you

For rental providers

Urgent repairs have to happen immediately, so it pays to know who you'd call before you need them. From 2027 there are also new energy efficiency standards to plan for. Use a licensed electrician, a registered or licensed plumber or gasfitter for regulated work, arrange access with the renter, and keep the safety check reports and certificates.

Before you book

• Check whether the repair is on the urgent list
• Tell the rental provider or agent in writing first
• Renters: up to $2,500 for an urgent repair, claimed in writing within 7 days
• Non-urgent repairs: 14 days from a written request
• Keep receipts, photos and messages

Need someone now? See emergency tradies in Melbourne. Common urgent jobs: blocked drains and toilets, hot water, roof leaks, smoke alarms and lockouts.