Plumbing problems in a rental property raise an immediate question: who’s responsible — the landlord or the tenant? Victorian tenancy law is actually quite clear on this. Here’s what you need to know.
The General Rule: Landlords Must Maintain Habitability
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) and its significant 2021 amendments, landlords must ensure the rental property is in a “reasonable state of repair” at all times. This includes all plumbing and fixtures.
What Landlords Must Fix (and How Fast)
Urgent repairs (24 hours)
Victoria defines certain repairs as “urgent” — landlords must arrange these within 24 hours:
- Burst water service or serious water leak
- Blocked or broken toilet (if only one in the property)
- Gas leak
- Failure of water supply
- Failure of hot water service
- Any fault that makes the property unsafe or insecure
Non-urgent repairs (14 days)
Non-urgent maintenance — such as a dripping tap, slow drain, or leaking shower — must be repaired within 14 days of written notice from the tenant.
What Tenants Pay For
Tenants are responsible for damage they cause. If you block a drain by flushing wipes, drop something heavy into a toilet, or damage a tap through misuse, you’ll likely be responsible for the repair cost.
Normal wear and tear — such as a washer wearing out in a tap used for years — is the landlord’s responsibility.
What If Your Landlord Won’t Act on Urgent Repairs?
If you can’t contact your landlord or agent about an urgent repair, Victorian law allows tenants to arrange and pay for urgent repairs up to $2,500 — and then claim reimbursement from the landlord within 14 days. Keep all invoices and written records.
For non-urgent repairs the landlord ignores, contact Consumer Affairs Victoria or apply to VCAT for a repair order.
Minimum Standards (2021 Changes)
Since 2021, Victorian rental properties must meet minimum standards including:
- A functional stovetop with at least two burners
- Working kitchen and bathroom sinks with hot and cold running water
- A bathroom with a toilet, a washbasin, and either a bath or shower
- Functional sewage and drainage systems
Plumbing Repairs for Property Managers and Landlords
Sedcon Plumbing works with property managers across Melbourne to provide fast, compliant plumbing repairs that keep properties rental-ready. We provide itemised invoices suitable for tenant reimbursement or insurance claims. Call 0468 013 012 or see our property manager plumbing page.