Owning a rental property in Melbourne comes with many responsibilities, and one of the most crucial is addressing emergency repairs promptly. At Create Real Estate, home to Melbourne’s premier Licensed Agents, we understand the importance of ensuring your rental property remains safe and habitable. In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to handle emergency repairs in Melbourne rental properties.

Identifying an Emergency:
Not every repair issue qualifies as an emergency. It’s crucial to distinguish between routine maintenance and situations requiring immediate attention. Emergency repairs generally involve matters that, if left unattended, can lead to significant damage or injury or render the property uninhabitable. Common examples include:

  1. 1. Plumbing Emergencies: Think burst pipes, severe leaks, or a complete loss of water supply.
  2. 2. Electrical Problems: Sparks, exposed wires, or a complete loss of power.
  3. 3. Gas Leaks: The smell of gas or suspected gas leaks should be handled as an emergency, and the area should be left alone and contact the gas company immediately.
  4. 4. Structural Damage: Any damage that threatens the property’s structural integrity, such as a collapsed roof or severe foundation issues.
  5. 5. Security Breaches: Broken windows, damaged locks, or compromised entry points jeopardising the property’s security.

Tenant Reporting:
Tenants play a crucial role in reporting emergencies promptly. As part of your lease agreement, ensure tenants understand what constitutes an emergency and how to contact you or your property manager when such situations arise. Prompt reporting can help prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your tenants.

Immediate Action:
When an emergency repair is reported, act swiftly:

  1. 1. Assess the Situation: Gather as much information as possible about the issue from the tenant. This will help you understand the severity of the situation.
  2. 2. Notify the Necessary Parties: Contact the relevant service providers depending on the nature of the emergency. For example, call a licensed professional immediately for plumbing or electrical issues. Call the gas company and emergency services if there is a gas leak.
  3. 3. Ensure Tenant Safety: If the emergency poses a risk to tenant safety, consider relocating them temporarily to a safe location while repairs are underway.
  4. 4. Document the Emergency: Keep detailed records of the issue, including photographs and descriptions, as these may be needed for insurance claims or tenant communications.

Communication is Key:
Keeping contact lines with your tenants open and transparent during emergency repairs is crucial. Update them regularly on the progress of repairs and guide any temporary measures they should take to ensure their safety.

Preventive Measures:
While you can’t predict every emergency, conducting regular maintenance checks can help identify and address potential issues before they escalate. Create a preventive maintenance schedule for your rental property to minimise the risk of emergencies.

Conclusion: Trust the Experts at Create Real Estate
Emergency repairs in Melbourne rental properties require a swift and effective response to ensure tenant safety and protect your investment. Create Real Estate, with its team of expert Licensed Agents, can assist you in managing emergencies efficiently.
Using our advice and knowledge, you may travel with assurance. Emergency repairs, knowing that your rental property remains a safe and secure place for your tenants. Trust Create Real Estate for professional property management and the best Licensed Agents in town.