Queensland law splits rental repairs into two types, emergency and routine, and sets minimum housing standards that every rental must meet. Getting these right protects your tenant, your property and your compliance record. The RTA’s repairs pages have the full detail.

Emergency repairs

The law defines emergency repairs. They include:

  • a burst water service or serious leak, or a blocked or broken toilet
  • a serious roof leak, a gas leak or a dangerous electrical fault
  • flooding, or serious storm, fire or impact damage
  • failure of gas, electricity or water, or of hot water, cooking or heating appliances
  • anything that makes the home unsafe or insecure, including faulty smoke alarms
  • any repair needed to meet the minimum housing standards.

Who the tenant calls

The tenancy agreement must name the nominated repairer and say who the first point of contact is for emergencies.

If the tenant can’t reach that contact within a reasonable time, the tenant or property manager can arrange emergency repairs up to four weeks’ rent. A tenant who pays can ask for reimbursement in writing, with receipts, and must be given at least seven days.

Routine repairs

Everything else is a routine repair. The tenant reports it in writing, and the owner must have it fixed within a reasonable time. Tenants shouldn’t arrange routine repairs without written permission, and must never stop paying rent to force a repair.

Owners generally pay for repairs, unless the tenant or their guest caused the damage.

Repair orders

If repairs aren’t made, a tenant can issue a Notice to remedy breach, use the RTA’s dispute resolution service, and then apply to QCAT for a repair order. For emergency repairs, a tenant can go straight to QCAT with an urgent application in some circumstances.

Minimum housing standards

Since 1 September 2024, every Queensland rental must meet the minimum housing standards. In summary, the home must be weatherproof and structurally sound; in good repair; free of vermin, damp and mould caused by the building; fitted with working locks on external doors and reachable windows; fitted with privacy coverings in rooms like bedrooms; supplied with adequate plumbing and drainage; and have a working cooktop if there’s a kitchen. The RTA’s minimum housing standards fact sheet has the full list. For preparing a property before a new tenant, see getting your rental ready to lease.

How we handle repairs

Routine repairs are quoted and approved by you, unless they fall under your agreed spending limit. Emergencies are dealt with straight away, and tenants have an after-hours number for urgent repairs. We use licensed, insured local trades, or your own preferred tradespeople if you’d like.