Rental Maintenace Guide

Common problems, easy maintenance & quick fixes

Living in a property where everything works as it should is important.

However, as in any home, everyday use means that from time to time items can wear out, stop working as well, or breakdown.

This guide will help you:

Find the item you’re having issues with
Learn how to keep it maintained
Troubleshoot common problems
Log maintenance requests efficiently
Fix minor issues yourself (when possible)

Oven

Maintenance tip

Clean the oven every 6 months

Troubleshooting

Oven won’t heat up:
> If your oven has a clock, set or re set the clock
> If your oven has a timer, make sure it’s set correctly
> Check that the power switch to the oven is on

Get it fixed

If you’ve tried the above and it’s still not working, you’ll need a professional

> Submit a maintenance request

Exhaust Fans (Laundry/Bathroom)

Maintenance tip

Clean the filters twice a year

Troubleshooting

Laundry exhaust fan doesn’t seem to work:
> Hold an A4 sheet of paper up to the fan - if it holds, the fan is working
> Turn it on and check if steam is clearing - this shows it’s operating
> Listen for fan noise in the laundry or bathroom (they’re usually connected)

Get it fixed

If none of the above works, you’ll need a tradesperson

> Submit a maintenance request

Clothes Dryer

Maintenance tip

Empty the lint filter after every use

Troubleshooting

Dryer won’t start:
> Check the cord is plugged in and the power is switched on
> If it’s new, remove all plastic covers from the parts
> Ensure the lint filter is empty

Get it fixed

Still not working? This needs a professional

> Submit a maintenance request

Smoke Alarm

Maintenance tip

Replace the battery every 12 months (easy reminder: when daylight savings starts/ends).

Troubleshooting

Alarm is beeping:
> Remove any protective plastic still attached
> Remove the cover and change the battery

Get it fixed

Battery replacement is tenant’s responsibility

If it’s still faulty after changing the battery submit a maintenance request

Rangehood

Maintenance tip

Clean the rangehood every 6 months

Troubleshooting

Rangehood won’t turn on:
- Check the cord is plugged in and switched on.
- Make sure the power switch on the rangehood itself is on.

Get it fixed

If it’s still not working after these checks, you’ll need a professional.
👉 Submit a maintenance request.

Lightbulbs

Maintenance tip

Replace bulbs when they stop working

Troubleshooting

Light won’t turn on:
- Check if other lights are also out—if so, check the fuse box.
- Replace the bulb with a new one.

Get it fixed

If the light still doesn’t work after replacing the bulb, a tradesperson is needed.
👉 Submit a maintenance request.

Windows & Flyscreens

Maintenance tip

Clean tracks and flyscreens regularly to prevent build-up of grime and mould.

Troubleshooting

Window hard to open? Spray a little silicone spray (not WD-40) into the tracks.

Get it fixed

If glass is cracked or a window won’t lock, 👉 Submit a maintenance request.

Doors & Locks

Maintenance tip

Wipe down handles and locks to keep them free from grime.
Use graphite powder (not oil) if locks become stiff.

Troubleshooting

Sliding door won’t move smoothly? Clean the tracks and check for dirt or stones.

Get it fixed

If locks are broken or keys aren’t working, 👉 Submit a maintenance request.

Toilets

Maintenance tip

Only flush toilet paper - No wipes, nappies, sanitary products or other foreign matter.

Troubleshooting

Toilet running constantly? Check the flush button and cistern lid.

Get it fixed

If water keeps running or the toilet is blocked and can’t be cleared with a plunger, 👉 Submit a maintenance request.

Hot Water System

Maintenance tip

Know where your hot water system is located.
Electric systems: check/reset the safety switch if you lose hot water.

Troubleshooting

No Hot Water, Check:
- Is the power on at the fuse box?
- Has the pilot light gone out (gas systems)?

Get it fixed

If checks don’t solve it, 👉 Submit a maintenance request.

Drains & Sinks

Maintenance tip

Use drain strainers to catch hair and food scraps.
Avoid pouring fats, oils or coffee grounds down the sink.

Troubleshooting

Slow drain? Try a plunger first then use Drano and flush with boiling water.

Get it fixed

If water is overflowing or blocked, 👉 Submit a maintenance request.

Air Conditioning / Heating

Maintenance tip

Clean filters every 3 months to keep the unit running efficiently.

Troubleshooting

Not cooling or heating?
- Check the remote batteries.
- Ensure the mode is set correctly (cool/heat, not just fan).

Get it fixed

Still not working? 👉 Submit a maintenance request.

Gardens & Outdoor Areas

Maintenance tip

Keep lawns mowed and gardens tidy.
Sweep leaves away from drains to prevent flooding.

Troubleshooting

Loose pavers or cracked paths can cause hazards.

Get it fixed

Report damage, uneven surfaces, or broken fences.

Pest Prevention

Maintenance tip

Store food in sealed containers.
Empty bins regularly.
Wipe benches after cooking.

Troubleshooting

Seeing ants? Wipe down surfaces and clean up spills immediately spray with vinegar or essential oils like peppermint, tea tree or eucalyptus. Try Ant- Rid, seal cracks or openings.

Get it fixed

For termites, possums, or major infestations 👉 Submit a maintenance request immediately.

Urgent Repair Guide & Procedures

Emergencies can occur at any time. This guide explains what is considered an urgent repair, and the steps to follow both during and after office hours.

Tenant’s Obligation to Notify

You must notify the property manager of the need for urgent repairs as soon as practicable.

What Constitutes Urgent Repairs

Clause 60 of the Residential Tenancy Agreement lists the following urgent repairs.

- A burst water service
- A blocked or broken lavatory system
- A serious roof leak
- A gas leak
- A dangerous electrical fault
- Flooding or serious flood damage
- Serious storm or fire damage
- A failure of gas, electricity, or water supply to the premises
- The failure of a refrigerator supplied with the premises
- A breakdown of any service essential for hot water, cooking, heating, cooling, air conditioning, or laundering
- A fault or damage that causes the premises to be unsafe or insecure
- A fault or damage likely to cause injury to a person or property
- A serious fault in any door, staircase, lift, or other common area that prevents safe access to or use of the premises

Important Note: Some issues may not be considered urgent depending on circumstances.

For example, heating/cooling may not be considered as an emergency if the weather is mild or if an alternative working unit is available in your home. The same applies for a blocked toilet where another working toilet is in your home. You may contact the tradesperson for advice on temporary measures until the morning of the next business day, when you should contact our office to arrange repairs.

Reminder: If the repair is not listed above, it is classed as general maintenance and should be reported during business hours to your property manager. Do not call after hours emergency trades

Steps to Follow in an Emergency

During Business Hours (8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday):

1. Call your Property Manager directly.

2. If unavailable, call our office on (02) 6251 1477.

We will arrange the required urgent repair and have the qualified tradesperson contact you.

After Hours, Weekends, or Public Holidays:

1. First, consider whether the repair can wait until business hours (e.g. if there is another working toilet in your home).

2. If not, refer to the Emergency Authorised Trades List provided with your tenancy documents or simply click on the link below.

> Contact the nominated tradesperson directly. Allow reasonable time for the tradesperson to return your call/voice message.

> If unavailable, you may contact another qualified tradesperson.

3. If your property is in a Body Corporate and the issue is on common ground, contact the Body Corporate Manager first.

Failure to follow these procedures, may result in you being liable for the cost.

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