Repairs · Queensland

Nothing is getting fixed

Emergency repairs, the 4 weeks' rent rule, and minimum standards.

1. 01Your landlord must keep the place fit to live in and in good repair

   s 185

   At the start of the tenancy the property must be clean, fit to live in and in good repair. During the tenancy the landlord must keep it fit to live in and keep the premises and inclusions in good repair.

   You might have been told: "It was like that when you moved in." The landlord's duty to repair continues for the whole tenancy.

   Next step: Ask for repairs in writing, keep a copy, and photograph the problem.

   Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) s 185

2. 02Emergency repairs are defined in the Act

   s 214

   Emergency repairs include a burst water service or serious leak, a blocked or broken toilet, a serious roof leak, a gas leak, a fault making the place unsafe or insecure, and a fault likely to injure someone, damage property or unduly inconvenience you.

   You might have been told: "It'll be fixed when the tradie is free next month." Emergency repairs must be dealt with promptly.

   Next step: Contact the agent and the nominated emergency repairer on your agreement straight away, and keep a record of every call and message.

   Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) s 214

3. 03You can arrange emergency repairs yourself, up to 4 weeks' rent

   s 218

   If you can't reach the landlord, agent or nominated repairer, or they don't fix an emergency promptly, you can arrange the repair yourself up to the value of 4 weeks' rent, and be reimbursed.

   You might have been told: "If you call a plumber yourself, you're paying." Not for emergency repairs the landlord didn't deal with promptly.

   Next step: Try the agent and nominated repairer first and keep records. Then use a qualified tradesperson, keep the invoice, and ask the landlord in writing to reimburse you.

   Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) s 218 (limit raised from 2 to 4 weeks' rent on 1 October 2022)

4. 04Rentals must meet minimum housing standards

   s 17A

   Queensland rentals must meet minimum housing standards set by regulation. The Act lets those standards cover matters like repair, security and privacy, ventilation, plumbing and drainage, water supply, and cooking and laundry facilities.

   You might have been told: "It's an old place, so standards don't apply." Minimum standards apply to every rental.

   Next step: If something falls below the standard, ask for it to be fixed in writing. If it isn't, the RTA's dispute resolution service is the next step.

   Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) s 17A and the regulation

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