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What Constitutes an ‘Emergency’ Repair Issue at a Rental Property?

Property Owners have a responsibility to attend to all ‘Emergency’ repair issues without delay. Below is an excerpt from the Residential Tenancies Act, defining the meaning of ‘Emergency;.

RTRA Act 2008 – SECTION 214 – Meaning of Emergency Repairs

Emergency repairs are works needed to repair any of the following-

(a) a burst water service or a serious water service leak;

(b) a blocked or broken lavatory system;

(c) a serious roof leak;

(d) a gas leak;

(e) a dangerous electrical fault;

(f) flooding or serious flood damage;

(g) serious storm, fire or impact damage;

(h) a failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity or water supply to premises;

(i) a failure or breakdown of an essential service or appliance on premises for hot water, cooking or heating;

(j) a fault or damage that makes premises unsafe or insecure;

(k) a fault or damage likely to injure a person, damage Property or unduly inconvenience a Tenant of premises;

(l) a serious fault in a staircase, lift or other common area of premises that unduly inconveniences a Tenant in gaining access to, or using, the premises.