What repairs does my landlord have to fix in Victoria?
Yes, your landlord must fix any damage to ensure the property is in good repair and fit to live in. In Victoria, they are legally required to handle both urgent repairs, like burst water services, and non-urgent general maintenance, provided you did not cause the damage.
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How it works in practice
Landlord Responsibilities
In Victoria, rental providers (landlords) are legally obligated to ensure the property is maintained in good repair and remains reasonably fit for occupation. This applies regardless of the property's age or the amount of rent you pay.
Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Repairs
The law categorizes repairs into two groups: urgent and non-urgent. Urgent repairs include critical emergencies like a blocked or broken toilet, a dangerous electrical fault, a gas leak, or a complete breakdown of an essential service like hot water or heating. A landlord must respond to urgent repairs immediately.
General Maintenance
Non-urgent repairs cover general maintenance issues, such as a broken cupboard door, a leaking tap, or a faulty exhaust fan. For these issues, your landlord has 14 days to carry out the repairs once they have received your formal written notice.
Minimum Standards
Additionally, properties in Victoria must meet specific minimum standards under the law, including structural soundness, adequate ventilation, and working deadlocks. If the property falls below these basic living standards, the landlord is legally compelled to bring it up to code.
Important exceptions
You are generally not entitled to have repairs covered by the landlord if the damage was caused intentionally or negligently by you, your visitors, or your pets. In such cases, the landlord can require you to arrange and pay for the repairs yourself.
Additionally, landlords are not responsible for fixing items or appliances that belong strictly to you. If your personal washing machine or microwave breaks down, you must cover the cost of replacing or repairing it. Fair wear and tear is covered by the landlord, but direct damage is always the tenant's responsibility.
What you should do now
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Notify your landlord or property manager in writing about the needed repair as soon as possible.
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Specify clearly whether the issue is an urgent repair or a non-urgent maintenance request.
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Keep a copy of all correspondence, including emails or official repair request forms, for your records.
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Contact Consumer Affairs Victoria if the landlord ignores an urgent repair or fails to fix a non-urgent issue within 14 days.
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Apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for a binding repair order if the dispute remains unresolved.
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