Repair Request

Troubleshooting Guide Before Contacting Your Property Manager

Before reporting a maintenance issue, please take a moment to check if it's something that can be resolved quickly. Many common problems have simple solutions that can save you time and unnecessary call-outs.

Hot Water Issues

  • New Connection – Was your gas or electricity connected when you moved in?
  • Water Supply – Ensure the valve on the hot water unit is turned on.
  • Electric Systems – Check the fuse in your meter box. If power was only connected that day, wait until the following morning as your unit may run on an "off-peak" timer.
  • Gas Systems – Check whether the pilot light is out. Some systems have relighting instructions inside the access door, otherwise a qualified tradesperson may be needed.

Electricity / Power Problems

  • Confirm your electricity account has been connected.
  • Check if your neighbours are affected; if so, contact your electricity provider about an outage.
  • Inspect your meter box – has a switch tripped? Reset if necessary.
  • If the safety switch has tripped, unplug all appliances and reset the switch. Then plug items back in one by one to identify if an appliance is faulty. (Any damage caused by your own appliances will be your responsibility.)
  • Replace blown light globes and test again.
  • Confirm your electricity bill is paid.

Gas Supply

  • Confirm your gas connection was arranged when you moved in.
  • Check your gas meter – has it been turned off?
  • Contact your supplier to ensure there's no street-wide disconnection.
  • If you live in an apartment, ask the Owners Corporation if there's a building-wide issue.

Internet

  • Call your internet provider to check for service interruptions.

Heating Systems

  • Gas Heating – Check if the pilot light is lit. If accessible, relight it according to the instructions.
  • Split Systems – Replace the remote control batteries if it's not responding.

Split System Air Conditioning

  • Clean or vacuum the filters (ideally every 6 months). Remove and rinse if dirty.
  • Replace batteries in the remote control.
  • Check the settings in the manual to ensure the unit is on the correct mode.
  • Reset the system via the meter box (switch off, wait 5 minutes, switch back on).
  • If an error code is displayed, search online for details about the fault.

Evaporative Cooling

Please note: these units may struggle to cool the property effectively in temperatures above 35°C. This is normal and not considered a fault.

Smoke Alarms

  • Replace the 9v battery if it's beeping.
  • If the alarm continues after replacement, report it to your Property Manager immediately.

Garage Doors or Gates

  • Replace the remote battery.
  • Check that power is connected to the unit.
  • Make sure the lever near the control box is switched to Auto (not Manual).
  • Remove any obstructions from the door or track.

Water Supply

  • Check whether your neighbours have running water.
  • Call your water supplier to see if there is a local issue.
  • Confirm the meter has not been turned off.

Locks

  • If your key will not turn in the lock, spray it lightly with WD-40 or use graphite powder as a lubricant.

Blocked Sinks or Showers

  • Remove food scraps, hair, or soap build-up. Pour boiling water down the drain.
  • Place a bucket under the U-bend, remove and clean it, then reattach and flush with boiling water.
  • Use a plunger or supermarket drain cleaner if needed.
  • Important: If a plumber attends and the cause is due to misuse (e.g. wipes, toys, sanitary products, oils/fats, hair), the cost will be charged to the renter.

Oven Not Working

  • Check if the child lock (key symbol) is on.
  • Ensure the timer is set correctly, as some ovens will not operate until this is done.
  • Check the meter box for a tripped switch.
  • Electric ovens – ensure your electricity is connected.
  • Gas ovens – check the gas supply is on.

Water Leaks

  • Turn off the water mains (usually located near the front garden tap).
  • If the leak is on council property (footpath or street), contact your water supplier immediately.

Gas Leaks or Gas Smell

  • Turn off the main gas valve and call a plumber straight away.

Common Property (Apartments / Units)

  • If the issue relates to shared areas (e.g. foyer, garden, external lights), contact the Owners Corporation. Their emergency contacts are usually displayed on the letterbox area or in the building foyer.

Lost Keys or Lockouts

Any replacement keys, lockouts, or lock damage will be the renter's responsibility and costs will apply.

Urgent Repairs

If you need to arrange an urgent repair:

  • Follow the emergency procedure provided to you (including the list of tradespeople).
  • Keep all invoices, quotes, or reports. Without documentation, reimbursement may not be possible.
  • If a tradesperson attends for a non-urgent issue, or if the matter is not the Rental Provider's responsibility, the renter may be liable for all costs.

For clarification on what qualifies as an urgent repair, see:
 Consumer Affairs Victoria – Repairs in Rental Properties

Emergency Numbers

State Emergency Service (SES): 13 25 00 (for floods, storms, fallen trees, earthquakes, etc.)

Life-Threatening Emergencies: 000

 
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