NSW Tenant Rights: Get Your Repairs Done
Landlord or real estate agent ignoring your repair requests? You have legal rights under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW).
Generate a professionally written, legally-informed maintenance letter in 2 minutes
Generate Your Letter NowPreview free. Only $4.99 to download or send.
Your Rights Under NSW Law
- Section 63 - Landlord's general obligations to maintain the property
- Section 64 - Urgent repairs
- Section 65 - Non-urgent repairs
Under NSW tenancy law, your landlord must:
- Provide the property in a reasonable state of cleanliness and repair
- Maintain the property in a reasonable state of repair during your tenancy
- Respond to urgent repairs immediately
- Respond to non-urgent repair requests within 14 days
Repair Timeframes in NSW
| Repair Type | Response Time | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency/Urgent | As soon as possible (same day) | Burst pipes, gas leak, no hot water, broken locks, flooding |
| Non-Urgent | Respond within 14 days | Broken appliances, minor leaks, cracked tiles |
These must be fixed as soon as possible:
- Burst water service or serious leak
- Blocked or broken toilet
- Serious roof leak
- Gas leak
- Dangerous electrical fault
- Flooding or serious flood damage
- Serious storm or fire damage
- Failure of gas, electricity, or water supply
- Failure of hot water service
- Failure of heating or cooling (in extreme weather)
- Broken lock or security device
- Serious health or safety hazard
What To Do If Your Landlord Won't Fix Repairs
- Put it in writing. Always make your repair request in writing (email is fine). This creates a paper trail and is essential if you need to escalate.
- Be specific. Describe the problem clearly, when it started, and how it affects you. Take photos if possible.
- Cite the legislation. Reference the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW) and the specific section that applies to your situation.
- Set a reasonable deadline. Give them a specific timeframe to respond (e.g., 14 days for non-urgent repairs).
- Keep records. Save all emails, take photos, and note down any phone conversations.
- Escalate if needed. If they don't respond, contact NSW Fair Trading or apply to NCAT.
Need help writing your repair request?
Generate Your Letter NowOur AI creates a professionally worded letter with correct NSW legislation references.
NSW Tenant Resources
NSW Fair Trading
Government body that oversees tenancy matters and can help with disputes.
Phone: 13 32 20 | Website: fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
NCAT (NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal)
The tribunal that hears tenancy disputes. You can apply for orders requiring your landlord to make repairs.
Phone: 1300 006 228 | Website: ncat.nsw.gov.au
Tenants' Union of NSW
Free advice and advocacy service for NSW tenants. They can help you understand your rights and options.
Phone: 1800 251 101 | Website: tenants.org.au
Common Repair Issues in NSW Rentals
- Mould and dampness - Common in older Sydney apartments. Landlords must address structural causes.
- Hot water failures - Classified as urgent. Must be fixed immediately.
- Plumbing issues - Blocked drains and leaking taps are common complaints.
- Air conditioning - If included in your lease, landlord must maintain it.
- Security issues - Broken locks must be fixed urgently.
Ready to take action?
Generate Your Maintenance LetterState-specific. Cites correct NSW legislation. Creates a paper trail.
This page provides general information about NSW tenancy law. It is not legal advice. For specific advice about your situation, contact the Tenants' Union of NSW or a community legal centre.