Maintenance issues can happen in any rental property, no matter how well it’s looked after. Whether it’s a leaking tap, a faulty appliance, or something more urgent, reporting problems promptly helps protect both your home and the property owner’s investment.

One of the biggest causes of delays in repairs is when maintenance is reported too late or without enough information. By following the correct process, you can help ensure repairs are arranged as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Report Maintenance as Soon as You Notice It

If something in your rental property needs repairing, notify your property manager as soon as possible.

Delaying maintenance can allow small problems to become much larger and more expensive to repair.

The easiest ways to report maintenance are by:

• Completing the online maintenance request form.
• Using your tenant portal.
• Sending an email to your property manager.

Written communication helps ensure your request is properly recorded and can be actioned without unnecessary delays.

What Information Should You Include?

Providing detailed information allows your property manager to understand the issue and arrange the appropriate tradesperson sooner.

When submitting a maintenance request, include:

• The location of the problem.
• A clear description of the issue.
• When you first noticed it.
• Whether the issue is getting worse.
• Any steps you’ve already taken.

If possible, also include:

• Clear photographs.
• A short video showing the problem.

The more information you provide, the easier it is to diagnose the issue and organise the right repair.

Your Entry Condition Report Is Not a Maintenance Request

When you move into a rental property, you’ll complete an Entry Condition Report to record the property’s condition at the beginning of your tenancy.

If you discover something that requires repair while completing this report, you should still submit a separate maintenance request.

This ensures the issue is logged correctly and repairs can be arranged without delay.

Routine Maintenance vs Emergency Repairs

Not every repair is considered an emergency. Understanding the difference helps ensure repairs are handled appropriately.

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance includes issues that don’t immediately affect the safety or liveability of the property.

Examples include:

• Leaking taps
• Faulty appliances
• Damaged blinds
• Sticky doors
• Minor maintenance items

These repairs are generally arranged after the property owner has been notified and approval has been obtained where required.

Repair times may also depend on the availability of qualified tradespeople.

Emergency Repairs

Emergency repairs involve situations that make the property unsafe, insecure, unfit to live in, or affect essential services.

Examples include:

• Burst water pipes
• Dangerous electrical faults
• Gas leaks
• Serious roof leaks
• Failure of essential services
• Security issues that make the property unsafe

If an emergency repair occurs, contact your property manager immediately.

If the issue happens outside business hours, follow the emergency repair instructions provided in your tenancy documents.

Don’t Arrange Repairs Yourself

Unless you’ve been specifically authorised under Queensland tenancy legislation or by your property manager, you should not arrange repairs yourself.

Organising unauthorised repairs can create unnecessary complications and may affect reimbursement or responsibility for costs.

If you’re unsure, contact your property manager before arranging any work.

Report Problems Early

Small maintenance issues rarely stay small.

For example:

• A leaking tap can lead to water damage.
• A cracked roof tile can result in a ceiling leak.
• A loose door hinge can eventually damage the door.
• Minor security issues can become major safety concerns.

Reporting problems early often leads to faster repairs and helps prevent more expensive damage.

Help Tradespeople Access the Property

Once repairs have been organised, your cooperation helps ensure work can be completed quickly.

Be sure to:

• Answer phone calls from the assigned tradesperson.
• Respond to messages promptly.
• Arrange suitable access times.
• Be available if your attendance is required.

Remember that tradespeople work independently from the property management office, so you’ll often communicate with them directly to arrange access.

Good Communication Helps Everyone

Reporting maintenance promptly benefits everyone involved.

It helps:

• Keep your home safe and comfortable.
• Prevent small issues from becoming larger repairs.
• Protect the property owner’s investment.
• Allow repairs to be completed more efficiently.
• Reduce inconvenience for everyone.

Working together with your property manager ensures your rental property remains well maintained throughout your tenancy.

Final Thoughts

Maintenance issues are a normal part of renting a property, but how they’re reported can make all the difference.

By reporting repairs early, providing clear information, understanding the difference between routine and emergency repairs, and cooperating with tradespeople, you can help ensure problems are resolved as quickly as possible.

If you’re ever unsure whether something should be reported, it’s always best to contact your property manager. Early communication can prevent bigger issues and help keep your tenancy running smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report maintenance in my rental property?

The easiest way is to submit an online maintenance request, use your tenant portal, or send your property manager an email with details of the issue.

What information should I include in a maintenance request?

Include the location of the problem, a description of the issue, when it started, and attach clear photos or videos if possible.

What’s the difference between routine and emergency repairs?

Routine repairs include issues like leaking taps or faulty blinds, while emergency repairs involve situations that affect safety, security, or essential services, such as burst pipes or dangerous electrical faults.

Can I organise repairs myself?

Generally, no. Unless you’ve been authorised under Queensland tenancy legislation or by your property manager, repairs should be arranged through the property management office.

Why is it important to report maintenance early?

Early reporting helps prevent minor issues from becoming major repairs, protects the property, and often leads to faster resolutions.

Your Next Move

Have a maintenance issue or noticed damage at your rental property? Contact our property management team as soon as possible. Reporting concerns early allows us to arrange repairs quickly and helps keep your home safe, comfortable, and well maintained.