Emergency Maintenance InformationÂ
At Eastell and Co., we understand that urgent issues can arise in a home from time to time. If an emergency repair occurs, it’s important that the matter is addressed as quickly as possible to keep everyone safe and to protect the property.
What To Do in an EmergencyÂ
If an emergency repair is required, please make every reasonable effort to contact the emergency repair contact listed on your tenancy agreement as soon as you become aware of the issue.
Where possible, repairs should be arranged through the nominated trades listed on your tenancy agreement.
If you are unable to reach the nominated emergency contact within a reasonable time, or they are unavailable to attend, the tenant or property manager may arrange for another appropriately licensed and qualified tradesperson to carry out the repair.
Under Queensland tenancy legislation, emergency repairs may be arranged up to the value of four (4) weeks’ rent.
Payment and ReimbursementÂ
In some cases, the attending tradesperson may request payment at the time of the service call.
If you pay for an emergency repair, please:
- Notify Eastell and Co. in writing as soon as possible.
- Provide a copy of the tax invoice and receipt for the work completed.
Once received, the owner/agent must be given a minimum of seven (7) days to reimburse the cost, provided the repair meets the criteria of an emergency repair under the legislation.
What Is Considered an Emergency Repair?Â
Under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act, emergency repairs include:
- A burst water service
- A blocked or broken toilet
- A failure or serious breakdown of an essential service or appliance for hot water, cooking or heating
- A serious roof leak
- A gas leak
- A dangerous electrical fault
- Flooding or serious flood damage
- Serious storm, fire, or impact damage
- A fault or damage that makes the property unsafe or likely to cause injury
After-Hours Call Outs
If a tradesperson is called for after-hours maintenance that is not considered an emergency, the cost of the after-hours service may be charged to the tenant.
Similarly, if the repair is required due to tenant-related causes, the tenant may be responsible for the associated costs.
If You Cannot Reach the Nominated Trades
If you are unable to reach any of the nominated emergency trades and cannot contact the property manager or owner, you may arrange for another licensed and qualified tradesperson to carry out only the repairs necessary to make the property safe.
Please notify Eastell and Co. as soon as possible once the issue has been addressed.
Locked Out?
If you accidentally lock yourself out during business hours, please contact our office and we can arrange for you to collect our agency set of keys. Identification will be required, and the keys must be returned promptly.
If you are locked out after hours, you will need to contact a locksmith directly. Please note that locksmith services in these circumstances are at the tenant’s expense.
Recommended Locksmith: Coolum Locksmith – (07) 5446 4646
