Urgent vs non-urgent repairs.

The law provides a clear distinction between urgent and non-urgent repairs. Urgent repairs are those that are mandated by law, while any other type of repair falls under the non-urgent category. Non-urgent repairs are generally considered to be those that do not pose an immediate threat to the safety or well-being of the renter. These might include a broken dishwasher or loose bathroom tiles.

If a repair is not included on the list of urgent repairs below, it can be classified as a non-urgent or general repair.

Urgent repairs are those that must be attended to immediately, as they make the property unsafe or difficult to live in. The following repairs are legally defined as urgent:

Urgent repairs:

• Burst water service.

• Blocked or broken toilet system.

• Serious roof leak.

• Gas leak.

• Dangerous electrical fault.

• Flooding or serious flood damage.

• Serious storm or fire damage.

• Failure of an essential service or appliance for hot water, water, cooking, heating, or laundering.

• Failure of the gas, electricity or water supply.

• Failure of a cooling appliance or service provided by the rental provider.

• Failure of the property to meet minimum standards.

• Failure of a safety-related device, such as a smoke alarm or pool fence.

• Failure of an appliance, fitting or fixture that causes a lot of water to be wasted.

• Any fault or damage in the property that makes it unsafe or insecure, including pests, mould or damp caused by or related to the building structure.

• A serious problem with a lift or staircase.