What repairs does my landlord have to fix in Queensland?
Yes, your landlord must fix both routine and emergency repairs to ensure the property is safe, secure, and fit to live in. This includes fixing supplied appliances, structural issues, and essential services like plumbing or electricity, provided the damage was not caused by you.
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How it works in practice
Legal Obligations for Repairs
In Queensland, landlords are legally required to maintain the rental property so it remains in a good state of repair and fit for you to live in. This legal obligation covers the physical structure of the home, as well as any fixtures, fittings, or appliances that were included as part of your tenancy agreement.
Emergency vs Routine Repairs
Repairs are generally categorized as either emergency or routine. Emergency repairs are critical issues that pose a danger to your health, safety, or property security, such as a burst water pipe, a severe roof leak, or a dangerous electrical fault. Landlords must address emergency repairs immediately.
Timely Maintenance
For routine repairs—such as a dripping tap or a broken cupboard door—the landlord must fix the issue within a reasonable timeframe after you report it. You are required to notify the landlord or property manager of any needed repairs in writing as soon as you notice them to prevent the issue from worsening.
Important exceptions
Your landlord is not responsible for fixing damage caused by you, your pets, or your invited guests, whether the damage was intentional or the result of negligence. In these cases, you are financially responsible for organizing and paying for the repairs.
Additionally, landlords are not required to repair items that belong to you, such as your own furniture or personal appliances. Finally, they are not responsible for normal fair wear and tear, which is the expected deterioration of a property over time from everyday living, such as faded curtains or minor scuff marks.
What you should do now
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Notify your landlord or property manager about the needed repair immediately using a written format, such as email or the official RTA Notice to Remedy Breach form.
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Keep a clear record of all communications, including dates, photos of the damage, and any responses you receive from the landlord.
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Allow a reasonable amount of time for the landlord to organize the repair, keeping in mind that emergency issues require an immediate response.
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Follow up politely in writing if the repair is not addressed within the expected timeframe, reminding them of their legal obligations.
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Contact the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) for free dispute resolution services if the landlord consistently refuses to fix the issue.
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