What repairs does my landlord have to fix in South Australia?
Your landlord must fix any damage or issues that affect the property's safety, security, or livability in South Australia. This includes urgent repairs like burst pipes and gas leaks, as well as general maintenance for appliances and fixtures provided with the rental, excluding damage caused by you.
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How it works in practice
General Repair Obligations
In South Australia, your landlord is legally obligated to maintain the rental property in a reasonable state of repair. This applies to the physical structure of the building, the plumbing, electrical systems, and any appliances or fixtures that were included in your tenancy agreement.
Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Repairs
The law distinguishes between emergency (urgent) repairs and general maintenance. Emergency repairs involve critical issues that expose you to danger, cause undue hardship, or risk severe property damage, such as a dangerous electrical fault, a blocked or broken toilet, or a serious roof leak. Your landlord must address these emergencies immediately after you notify them.
Tenant Responsibilities
For non-urgent repairs, such as a broken exhaust fan or a dripping tap, your landlord still has a duty to fix the problem within a reasonable timeframe once notified. You must report any need for repairs to your landlord or property manager as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Keep all repair requests in writing to ensure a clear paper trail if disputes arise.
Important exceptions
Your landlord is not responsible for fixing damage that you, your family, or your invited guests intentionally or negligently caused. In these instances, you must cover the cost of the repairs.
Additionally, landlords are generally not responsible for everyday minor maintenance tasks that are considered the tenant's responsibility, such as replacing standard lightbulbs or changing standard smoke alarm batteries, unless physical limitations or the lease agreement state otherwise.
Finally, landlords do not have to repair appliances or items that you brought into the property yourself.
What you should do now
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Document the issue by taking clear photos or videos of the damage or broken item.
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Notify your landlord or property manager in writing as soon as you notice the required repair.
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Complete and submit a formal repair request form if your real estate agency requires one.
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Follow up in writing if the landlord does not respond or action the repair within a reasonable timeframe.
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Contact the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) if the landlord refuses to perform necessary repairs.
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