Information for tenants and residents who need a non-urgent item repaired
For non-urgent repairs, you must notify the landlord or owner in writing, advising them what needs to be repaired and giving them 14 days to carry out the repairs.
You may do this in a letter or use one of our forms:
If the landlord or owner does not carry out the repairs within that time, you:
- may send Consumer Affairs Victoria a copy of the written notice, or use the letter you originally gave the landlord or owner, and
- complete a Request for repairs inspection or rent assessment (PDF, 74KB) or provide a letter requesting a Consumer Affairs Victoria inspector visit the property and fill out a report.
You have 60 days from when you receive a copy of the report to apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for a repair order if the repairs have still not been carried out.
You must continue to pay rent or hiring charges even if the landlord or owner has not arranged for the repairs. However, if the matter has already been heard by VCAT, you may apply for the rent to be paid into VCAT’s Rent Special Account while the matter is sorted out.
For information on repairs relating to site agreements, view our Repairs under a site agreement page.
Replacing water appliances in rental properties
The landlord must replace water appliances, fittings and fixtures with those that meet minimum efficiency standards. For more information about water-efficient products and labelling schemes, visit the Australian Government’s Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme website or call toll free on 1800 218 478.
For more information on sustainable renting, visit the Sustainability Victoria website.
Last updated: 21/05/2012