Maintenance & Repairs

General Maintenance
If something is broken or damaged, you should not try to make repairs yourself. You must advise your Property Manager about it as soon as possible and we will organise the appropriate tradesperson to attend.

Once a maintenance request is received we are required to get approval from the landlord before proceeding with the repair. Ray White Pelican Waters will contact the landlord for approval and when authorised, organise for the appropriate tradesman to contact you directly for access.

It is important that you answer or respond to the tradesman when contacted. If you are unable to be home at the time, you may authorise the tradesman to collect keys from our office.

Further delays will occur should you not respond to the tradesman or deny access for any reason. Ray White Pelican Waters tradesman only work during normal business hours and are not authorised to incur extra cost for after hours callouts, unless the work is classed as an emergency.

With regards to maintenance and repairs the RTA principally split the responsibility between landlord and tenant as follows:

Maintenance, general wear & tear – landlord’s responsibility
Damage/user error – tenant’s responsibility

For example: If you or one of your guests caused the breakage or damage, you may be required to pay for the repairs. If the issue is a result of tenant neglect, user error or damage, you may be required to pay for the repairs.

If you delay in reporting a maintenance issue and further damage or cost is sustained, you may be required to pay the extra cost.

Emergency Maintenance
If you experience an emergency maintenance outside of normal business hours please refer to your tenancy agreement which provides the contact details for various emergency maintenance tradespeople.

The following situations are considered emergencies:

a burst water service or a serious water service leak
a blocked or broken lavatory service
a serious roof leak
a gas leak
a dangerous electrical fault
flooding or serious flood damage
serious storm, fire or impact damage
a failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity or water supply to the property
a failure or breakdown of an essential service or hot water, cooking or heating appliance
a fault or damage that makes the property unsafe or insecure
a fault or damage likely to injure a person, damage property or unduly inconvenience a resident of the property
a serious fault in a staircase, lift or other common area or premises that unduly inconveniences a resident in gaining access to, or using, the property

Smoke Alarms
Under the current Smoke Alarm Legislation, both tenants and lessors have responsibilities for smoke alarms in their rental properties. Tenants have an obligation for cleaning, testing and replacing batteries for smoke alarms. Landlords have the obligation for installing, cleaning and testing smoke alarms and replacing batteries before the start or renewal of a tenancy.

If you believe your Smoke Alarm is faulty report the issue to Ray White Pelican Waters immediately. Smoke Alarm Integrity are contracted by our office to ensure smoke alarms are correctly installed and to provide Certificates of Compliance.

Failure by a tenant to provide access to the Smoke Alarms Contractor, when an Entry Notice has been issued, is a breach under the legislation and lease and will result in the tenant being fully responsible for the failed compliance of the property, along with any fines resulting from the failure to provide access.

Hot Water System
If your supply of hot water is not hot or does not seem to last as long as it should, your hot water system may need topping up. Firstly check for visible signs of leaking. If a leak is visible report the issue immediate.

To top up your hot water system locate the filler valve on the side of the hot water system and lift the floppy lever until water flows from the overflow. Repeat this process every few months. Otherwise, check…is the power switched on, has the safety switch or circuit breaker been tripped or a fuse blown? Remember in winter, efficiency of the tank is less than in summer and the water will cool more quickly.

Note: Please follow the above procedure before requesting maintenance. Remember a leaking hot water tap will cause poor supply of hot water and high electricity accounts.

Loss of Power
If your neighbours have also lost power please contact ENERGEX directly on 13 62 62 as the fault may be a network issue.

If your neighbours have power or if you have only lost power to one circuit, i.e only power points & your lights work, first check if your Safety Switch or circuit breaker has tripped. If so, reset the switch. If it trips again unplug all appliances from the power points, including your fridge & dishwasher. Reset the Safety Switch and plug in appliances one at a time until the faulty appliance is located. If you have a fuse box check this for a blown fuse.

Note: If this does not rectify the problem please notify our office.

Tenants will be required to pay for callouts where a faulty appliance belonging to them has caused the problem.

Pool Problems
Water level is a priority when keeping a healthy pool. The water level must be kept at a level to allow water to flow through the skimmer boxes at all times. Failure to do this could result in equipment failure.

No metal objects are to be allowed in the pool as it could cause corrosion marks.
No animals should be allowed in the pool as this creates a large chemical imbalance.
Ensure regular water testing for correct PH level to prevent mould/fungus forming in the pool.
Vacuum at least once a week to keep pool clear of debris.
Regular checks of the pump to ensure the motor is working correctly and efficiently (making funny noises could be a forerunner to a problem). Leaking or pooling water at the pump could mean a cracked casing and will need attention.
It is recommended that you engage a Professional Pool Service company to check and maintain your pool for you on a regular basis. This will ensure you pool is kept healthy and blue – ready to enjoy.

Note: Even if a pool is maintained for you, it is your responsibility to alert us if any problems arise.