A Tenant’s Guide to Rental Property Repairs

Renting a home comes with its own set of responsibilities, especially when it comes to repairs and maintenance in your rental property.

Knowing what’s expected of you as a tenant and what falls under the landlord’s duties is key to a smooth and stress-free rental experience.

At We Connect Property, we aim to make things simple for both tenants and landlords, so let’s break down how to manage repairs in your rental property.

Tenant vs. landlord responsibilities

Understanding the difference between tenant and landlord duties can save you time and clear up any confusion when something needs fixing in your rental.

Generally, tenants handle the day-to-day upkeep, while landlords take care of larger repairs and maintenance to ensure the property remains safe and functional.

Tenant responsibilities

As a tenant, there are a few everyday tasks and minor repairs in your rental property that you’ll need to manage, including:

Cleaning air conditioning filters
General gardening and yard upkeep
Ensuring the property is clean and tidy
Addressing minor cosmetic issues (like small wall scuffs)

You’re also responsible for any damage caused by you or your guests.

For example, if a window accidentally gets broken, or there’s a spill on the carpet, you’ll need to either arrange the repairs or cover the costs.

In short, tenants are expected to manage consumables and minor upkeep in their rental property.

Landlord responsibilities

Landlords, on the other hand, are responsible for larger issues—like keeping the property’s fixtures and fittings in good working order—as well as structural repairs in the rental property.

This includes:

Fixing leaky taps and replacing light bulbs
Repairing or replacing broken appliances (like ovens or dishwashers)
Addressing structural concerns, such as roof leaks
Ensuring that heating, cooling and plumbing systems are working correctly
Fire alarms are compliant, working and tested regularly

As per South Australian Government guidelines: “landlords are responsible for repairs, even if a tenant knew about a problem when they moved in.”

This ensures the property remains safe and liveable.

How to request repairs

When it comes to repairs in your rental property, following this simple process ensures a quick resolution:

Report the Problem

Let your property manager or landlord know about the required repair as soon as you spot a problem. At We Connect Property, we offer a tenant maintenance concierge, making it easy for tenants to report issues.

This chatbot helps troubleshoot the problem, and identify whether the responsibility falls on you or the landlord. In some cases it can even organise repairs for you!

Keep a Record

Always keep a written record of any repair requests you make for your rental property.

An email or text message outlining the issue creates a paper trail that’s handy, especially for more significant or urgent problems.

Understand Timeframes

For non-urgent repairs, landlords are generally expected to address the issue within 7-14 days.

However, urgent repairs, like electrical faults or burst pipes, need immediate attention.

If your landlord doesn’t respond promptly, tenants may be able to arrange the repairs themselves and seek reimbursement—but only after following the right procedure, which includes consulting with your property manager and/or chatting with our tenant concierge.

Common repairs in rental properties

Certain repairs tend to come up frequently in rental properties. Knowing what to look out for can help you report issues promptly:

Leaking taps or toilets

Water leaks can lead to bigger problems if not dealt with early. Be sure to report any leaks as soon as you notice them.

Electrical issues

Issues with power points, light switches or fixtures should be reported immediately, as electrical problems are considered urgent and can pose serious risks. So let your property manager know as soon as you become aware of it.

Appliance breakdowns

Many rental properties come with essential appliances like dishwashers, ovens, or washing machines. If one of these stops working, it’s generally the landlord’s responsibility to repair or replace them.

What to do if repairs aren’t addressed

If urgent repairs in your rental property aren’t managed by landlords in a timely manner, tenants might have the option to arrange the repairs themselves and seek reimbursement.

However, this should only happen after notifying the landlord and giving them a reasonable chance to respond first.

Always check with your property manager to understand your rights and responsibilities before taking any action.

Need help?

At We Connect Property, we’re committed to ensuring our tenants and landlords enjoy a stress-free rental experience.

If you need help with repairs in your rental property, or have any questions about your responsibilities, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Got questions about renting or how to manage repairs in your rental property? Contact us today—we’re always here to help.

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At We Connect Property, we're dedicated to providing exceptional service and support to our tenants.

If you have more questions or need assistance with any aspect of your tenancy, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

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DISCLAIMER: All recommendations made by We Connect Property are general in nature and not to be relied upon as legal or financial advice. To ensure accuracy, we always strongly recommend seeking independent, professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any investment or financial decisions.