It is the landlord's responsibility to maintain the good repair of a property while it is being rented out. They should also provide emergency contact numbers for the prospect of urgent repairs.

In the case of general or non-urgent repairs you will need to notify the landlord or agent in writing through the 'Notice to Landlord of Rented Premises' form, available from Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV). If the repair is not carried out within 14 days, then a copy of the notice should be sent to CAV with a written request for an inspection.

If the repair has still not taken place after you have received the CAV inspection report, you then have 60 days to apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for a repair order.

Urgent repairs are those that affect safety or security. This can also include the failure of an essential service. In these cases, first contact the landlord or agent to fix the problem, but if there is not response you can organise repairs yourself, up to a maximum amount of $1000. Your landlord then has 14 days to refund the money. These repairs can include:

• Burst water service
• Blocked or broken lavatory system
• Serious roof leaks
• Gas leaks
• Dangerous electrical faults
• Serious storm, fire or flood damage
• Serious fault in a lift or staircase in the rented premises

More Information

• Repairs and Maintenance factsheet (PDF. 144Kb)
  provides information on how to request general and urgent repairs, and the types of repairs tenants can organise to have fixed themselves.
• Renting a home: A guide for tenants and landlords brochure (PDF, 372Kb)
  provides tips on repair issues including the importance of communicating in writing and keeping copies of correspondence.