A hot water system that stops working in a rental is an urgent repair in both Victoria and NSW. The landlord must act straight away. If they do not, the renter can arrange a licensed repair and be paid back, up to a limit.
| Victoria | New South Wales | |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord must act | immediately↗ | As an urgent repair↗ |
| Renter can spend | $2,500↗ | $1,000↗ |
| Paid back within | 7 days↗ | 14 days↗ |
The most a renter can spend on an urgent repair and be repaid, where the landlord has not acted.
Show these figures as a table
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Victoria | $2,500 |
| New South Wales | $1,000 |
Measured from written notice of the costs, with receipts attached.
Show these figures as a table
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Victoria | 7 days |
| New South Wales | 14 days |
Victoria
Rental providers must carry out urgent repairs immediately↗. If they do not respond, the renter can arrange the repair if it costs no more than $2,500↗, and the rental provider must pay them back within 7 days↗.
Victoria also sets efficiency standards for replacement appliances in rentals. Landlords replacing a hot water system should check the Consumer Affairs Victoria standards before choosing one.
New South Wales
A failed hot water system is listed as an urgent repair↗. If the tenant cannot reach the landlord or agent, they can use a repairer and be reimbursed up to $1,000↗. They need to give written notice with the costs and receipts, and the landlord then has 14 days↗ to pay.
What renters should do
- Tell the landlord or agent straight away, in writing, and keep a copy.
- If they do not respond, use a licensed plumber and keep every receipt.
- Send the costs and receipts in writing to claim the money back.
Other states have their own tenancy rules. This is general information, not legal advice. Check with your state's tenancy authority before paying for a repair yourself.