Urgent and non-urgent repairs in Victoria: timeframes and what to do
Last checked against official sources on 2 October 2026
Repairs are where landlords most often fall foul of the rules, because the deadlines are short. Here is what counts as urgent, how fast you have to act, and what to keep.
What counts as urgent
According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, urgent repairs include:
- A burst water service, a blocked toilet or a serious roof leak.
- A gas leak or a dangerous electrical fault.
- Flooding, or serious storm or fire damage.
- Hot water, heating or cooking that is not working.
- No gas, electricity or water supply.
- A safety device that is not working, such as a smoke alarm or pool fence.
- Pests, or mould or damp related to the building structure.
- Any fault that makes the property unsafe or insecure.
The timeframes
- Urgent repairs: immediately.
- Non-urgent repairs: within 14 days of a written request.
- Reimbursing a renter for an urgent repair under $2,500: within 7 days.
- Entering to carry out a repair: at least 24 hours’ notice, between 8am and 6pm.
Who pays
You pay for repairs that the renter didn’t cause. If the renter caused the damage, they may have to pay. The renter must keep paying rent while they wait for a repair.
If you do not act
A renter can arrange urgent repairs up to $2,500 and ask you to reimburse them. They can also ask for a free repairs inspection, go to the Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV) service, or apply to VCAT for an order.
What to keep
- The renter’s written request, with its date.
- When you responded and what you did.
- Quotes, invoices and photos before and after.
- The date the work was finished.
A written record of when each request arrived and when you acted is your best protection if a repair is disputed.
Related checks
A failed smoke alarm, a gas leak or a dangerous electrical fault is an urgent repair. See our guide to gas, electrical and smoke alarm checks and the minimum standards checklist.
Common questions
How quickly must I fix an urgent repair?
Immediately. Consumer Affairs Victoria says urgent repairs must be done at once because they make the property unsafe or unliveable.
How long do I have for a non-urgent repair?
Within 14 days of getting a written request.
Can a renter fix an urgent problem themselves?
If you do not respond promptly, a renter can arrange and pay for urgent repairs up to $2,500 and ask to be reimbursed, which must happen within 7 days.
Sources
Related guides
General information only, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm the current requirements with Consumer Affairs Victoria or a lawyer before you act.