Urgent Repairs: What You Must Fix Fast

Urgent maintenance at a rental property is more than just a leaking tap or a faulty lightbulb - it refers to serious issues that pose a risk to the tenant’s safety or the property itself.  According to South Australian tenancy laws, urgent repairs must be attended to quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the severity.

Urgent maintenance typically includes things like:

• A burst water pipe
• A blocked or broken toilet (if it's the only one at the property)
• A serious roof leak
• Dangerous electrical faults
• Gas leaks
• Flooding or serious flood damage
• Broken hot water services
• Broken heating or cooling during extreme weather

These issues can’t wait for standard business hours. If not acted on promptly, they can become more expensive to fix and may even expose landlords to legal or insurance risks.

Legally, landlords are required to respond to urgent repairs without delay. If the landlord or property manager can’t be reached, tenants are legally allowed to arrange emergency repairs themselves - up to a certain value - and seek reimbursement later. This is why it’s critical to have clear communication lines and trusted trades on call.

This is also where a good property manager makes all the difference. An experienced property manager will:

• Triage tenant maintenance requests to determine what is genuinely urgent
• Have pre-vetted, reliable tradespeople ready to respond quickly
• Ensure compliance with tenancy laws
• Keep detailed records for your insurance and legal protection
• Communicate clearly with you while reducing the stress of after-hours emergencies

Ultimately, having a professional handle urgent maintenance protects your investment, your tenant’s safety, and your peace of mind.

If you're unsure about your responsibilities or want help navigating these situations, our property management team is always here to support you.