Our time is precious. What we choose to do with it, how we choose to live and enjoy it very much rests with our own individual preferences.  

As a landlord and as a property manager, our time is also precious but so too is that of our tenants. When it comes to responding to tenant requests – especially urgent requests – time is of the essence.  

Now, as we know, no two requests are identical and by no means may they all be appropriate or warranted. However, there may come a time when immediate action is required. 

As a landlord, there are certain responsibilities held toward your tenant and it can prove beneficial to be recognised a good landlord. You don’t have to come with ‘bells and whistles’, but your tenant should be able to expect that you provide prompt and reasonable communication, which will ensure a positive – hopefully long term – relationship.  

At a basic level, if you are renting out your property, it should be in a liveable condition. I.e. the property should be clean and safe, with living areas in good condition with working appliances. The condition, of course, may be dependent on the age of the property, which is often reflective in the rental cost. If there is something associated with the property that requires fixing during a tenancy, it is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure requests and remedies are made in a timely manner. It is worth noting that landlords are not responsible for damage caused directly by tenants.  

But what constitutes a ‘timely manner’? In regards to repairs and maintenance of property, if the request is urgent, it is your responsibility to respond to it promptly.  

Urgent repairs can include anything from a burst water service, serious roof leak, dangerous electrical fault or a failure or breakdown of gas, electricity or water supply to premises; these need to be addressed and rectified as soon as possible. If not, your tenant has the right to organise repairs be completed by a qualified professional to the value of a specified amount (detailed in the tenancy agreement), with the cost to be reimbursed by the landlord.  

Make sure to discuss the most suitable cause of action with your property manager should urgent emergency requests need to be actioned.