Victorian tenancy law has clear requirements for how plumbing issues in rental properties must be handled. Property managers who aren’t across these obligations — or who use trades that don’t respond within legal timeframes — are exposed to VCAT disputes, compensation orders, and damage liability.
The Legal Framework
The primary legislation is the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (VIC), significantly updated in 2021. Consumer Affairs Victoria enforces compliance. VCAT handles disputes between tenants and landlords/property managers.
What Property Managers Must Maintain
Rental properties must be maintained in good repair throughout a tenancy. For plumbing, this means all tap fittings in good working order, toilets functional and not leaking, drainage working, hot water system operational, gas appliances serviced and safe, and no persistent leaks or water ingress.
The Minimum Standards Regulations (in force from March 2021) require every rental property to have a functional toilet, a fixed bath or shower with hot and cold water, and kitchen and laundry connections working.
What Counts as an Urgent Repair
Plumbing-related urgent repairs include: burst water service or serious water leak, blocked or broken toilet (where it is the only toilet), gas leak, serious damage to the hot water service (no hot water), and failure of any essential service.
Timeframe: A property manager must ensure urgent repairs are attended to within 24 hours of being notified. If the PM cannot be contacted, the tenant has the right to arrange the repair themselves (up to $2,500).
Gas Appliance Servicing
Gas heaters in rental properties must be serviced by a licensed gasfitter every 2 years. This is a legal requirement — not a recommendation. Unserviced gas heaters can produce carbon monoxide.
Flexi Hoses and Landlord Liability
A failed flexi hose causing significant damage can result in VCAT compensation orders, insurance complications, and liability for tenant’s damaged belongings. Risk-conscious property managers are proactively replacing flexi hoses in their rental stock. Contact us for portfolio-wide flexi hose inspections →
How Sedcon Plumbing Supports Melbourne Property Managers
Sedcon Plumbing is built specifically for the property management workflow: same-day response, 24/7 availability, direct tenant communication, all work issued with Certificate of Compliance, and clear invoicing ready for trust account processing. Learn more about our property management service →
Call 0468 013 012 or contact us here →