EMERGENCY REPAIRS

The safety switch is triggered by a detected change in the flow of electricity through the circuit it is fitted to (in most homes it's fitted to the power point circuit). Many problems can cause this change in flow, common issues can include:

• - overloaded power sockets or power boards
• - faulty appliances
• - faults your home wiring
• - water in the walls or ceiling affecting the power circuit - Has it rained recently or is there a sprinkler hitting an outdoor power point?

How to reset the safety switch on your switchboard:

What is an Emergency Repairs

The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act) states that there are two types of repairs – emergency and routine repairs. Emergency repairs are defined in the Act. Any repairs that are not listed as emergency repairs in the Act are routine repairs. 

Emergency repairs are:  

• a burst water service or a serious water service leak
• a blocked or broken toilet
• a serious roof leak
• a gas leak
• a dangerous electrical fault
• flooding or serious flood damage
• serious storm, fire or impact damage
• a failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity or water supply
• a failure or breakdown of an essential service or appliance on the premises for hot water, cooking or heating
• a fault or damage that makes the premises unsafe or insecure (this includes smoke alarms)
• a fault or damage likely to injure a person, damage property or unduly inconvenience a tenant
• a serious fault in a staircase, lift or other common area of the premises that unduly inconveniences a tenant in gaining access to, or using, the premises
• minimum housing standards – only effective once minimum housing standards apply to the property. Minimum housing standards came into effect for new tenancies (including renewed tenancy agreements) from 1 September 2023 and commence for all remaining tenancies on 1 September 2024.

Paying for emergency repairs