What Counts as an Emergency Repair? A Tenant’s Guide

When something goes wrong in your home, it can be tricky to know if it’s an “emergency repair” that needs immediate action. This guide will help you understand what counts as an emergency repair, when to act, and how to get issues fixed quickly to keep your home safe and liveable.

What is an Emergency Repair?

An emergency repair is any repair that needs urgent attention because it makes your property unsafe, insecure, or uninhabitable. This means you should contact a professional promptly, rather than waiting, to prevent further damage or risk to your safety.

Across Australia, tenancy and housing laws outline what issues are classed as emergencies, protecting homeowners and tenants alike.

Examples of Emergency Repairs

While there may be slight differences depending on your state, these are generally considered emergency repairs:

• Burst water service or serious water leaks

• Blocked or broken toilet (if it’s the only one)

• Serious roof leaks

• Gas leaks

• Dangerous electrical faults

• Flooding or serious storm damage

• Fire damage or smoke alarm failures

• Breakdown of gas, electricity, or water supply

• Failure of essential services like hot water, heating, or cooking appliances

• Faults making the property unsafe or insecure, including broken locks or windows

• Damage that could injure a person or cause significant inconvenience, like broken stairs or lifts in apartment buildings.

If your situation falls under these categories, it is typically considered an emergency repair.

Why Acting Fast Matters

Ignoring an emergency repair can lead to:

• Further damage to your property

• Higher repair costs later

• Safety hazards for your family

• Insurance issues if a claim is later disputed

• Breaches of tenancy or housing regulations.

Getting the repair done quickly helps keep your home safe, prevents extra costs, and protects your investment.

Why Use ServiceSeeking for Emergency Repairs

When an emergency repair strikes, you need fast, reliable help. Using a trusted platform like ServiceSeeking can help you:

• Find licensed tradies for urgent repairs

• Get quotes fast so you can compare and act without delay

• See reviews from other homeowners to ensure you hire someone reliable

• Ensure proper documentation for insurance and property records.

If you’re facing an emergency repair now, post your job on ServiceSeeking and get in touch with experienced local tradies ready to assist you.

Knowing what counts as an emergency repair helps you act quickly to keep your home safe and functional. Burst pipes, electrical faults, gas leaks, and serious storm damage all need urgent attention. Don’t wait until it’s too late—get a professional to handle these issues as soon as they occur.