Firstly, differentiate between general maintenance and emergency maintenance.
Emergency repairs are:
- a burst water service or a serious water service leak
- a blocked or broken toilet
- 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
- a failure or breakdown of an essential service or appliance on the property for hot water, cooking or heating
- 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 tenant
- a serious fault in a staircase, lift or other common area of the property that unduly inconveniences a tenant in gaining access to, or using, the property.
All other repairs are considered routine repairs.
All non-emergency routine repairs are considered general maintenance and must be notified to Prime Property Sunshine Coast in writing. Sometimes the issue can be resolved without the need of a maintenance request as follows:
Electrical Appliances (e.g. Lights, Oven, Hot Plates)
Ensure all the correct switches are on (e.g. wall switch for ovens). Check the fuse box to ensure the power is on and then contact Prime Property Sunshine Coast.
Electricity Supply
Check the fuse box to ensure the power is on and the safety switch has not been tripped.
Plumbing Leaks
Water leaks most commonly occur in wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries, and can affect adjoining rooms. Regularly checking water leakage is recommended. If the carpet or floor is wet, clean the area and dry it thoroughly and check it again shortly after. If the problem persists, turn off the water at the mains if possible and lodge a Maintenance Request with Prime Property Sunshine Coast.
Toilet Leaks
Mop the wet area and turn off the tap between uses until the contractor arrives to fix the problem.
Swimming Pool (if applicable)
The Tenant is generally responsible for the everyday maintenance such as clearing leaves from the pool and may be responsible for more regular maintenance (as outlined in the General Tenancy Agreement).
- Maintaining the water level is essential to ensure water flow through the skimmer boxes. Failure to top up water could result in considerable expense to the Tenant
- No animals should be allowed in the pool as this creates chemical imbalance and can result in fur going through the filtration system
- Regularly check the pump for leaks or strange sounds which may mean the motor requires attention
- Vacuum regularly to keep the pool clear of debris and leaves
Electricity Supply
Check if neighbouring properties have also lost power, and contact Energex on 13 62 62 for further information.
Otherwise check the fuse box to ensure the power is on and the safety switch has not been tripped. If so, reset the safety switch. If the problem persists, unplug all appliances from power points and reset the safety switch again. Plug in each appliance one at a time until the faulty appliance is located.
Water Outage
Should you experience any water outages, please contact Unitywater direct to check if they are conducting any works in the area by calling 1300 086 489 or checking online at: https://www.unitywater.com/faults-and-outages/check-for-outages.
If there are no water outages in the area, check the water mains taps attached to the property. If possible, please also check neighbouring properties to see if they are experiencing the same issue. If the problem persists, call Prime Property Sunshine Coast immediately.
Water Eruption
Pooling or bubbling water on the ground requires urgent attention and may require emergency maintenance. Contact Prime Property Sunshine Coast immediately.
Hot Water System
If hot water seems to run out rapidly or is not heated at all, check the filler valve on the side of the hot water system and lift the lever until water flows from the overflow valve. This process may need to be repeated every few months.
Otherwise check the fuse box to ensure the power is on and the safety switch has not been tripped.
Please note: seasonal changes and shower routine changes can affect the efficiency of a hot water system.
Beeping Smoke Alarms
It is the responsibility of the Tenant to:
- test and clean (by vacuuming or dusting) smoke alarms at least once every 12 months
- replace any flat or nearly flat batteries
- advise the property owner/manager if there is any issue with the alarm (apart from batteries)
- allow the property owner/manager right of entry to install smoke alarms
- not remove a smoke alarm or the battery (other than to replace it), or do anything to reduce the effectiveness of the alarm e.g. paint or cover it
You do not need to be qualified or licensed to clean or test a domestic smoke alarm. Tenancy rules permit entry for the purposes of complying with smoke alarm legislation.
If smoke alarms beep, it may be because there is smoke in the vicinity (e.g. burning toast). Fan the alarm to try and stop it beeping. If the problem persists, lodge a Maintenance Request with Prime Property Sunshine Coast. Repairs relating to a non-functioning smoke alarm may be considered emergency repairs.
Clothes Dryer
It is the responsibility of the Tenant to maintain clothes dryers each day by cleaning the filter before every use. If the dryer is not working, please check the following:
- power is on
- dryer is not overloaded
Ensure all the correct switches are on (e.g. wall switch). Check the fuse box to ensure the power is on and the safety switch has not been tripped. If the problem persists, lodge a Maintenance Request with Prime Property Sunshine Coast.
Please Note
Any costs incurred as a result of Tenant (or their guest) misuse, abuse or negligence may be at the expense of the Tenant.
General Maintenance
It is a strict policy of Prime Property Sunshine Coast that all maintenance requests are presented in writing before they can be acted upon. These can be sent as follows:
- Online – visit primepropertysunshinecoast.com.au – Renting – Tenant Forms
- Email to anna@primepropertysc.com.au
- Post to Prime Property Sunshine Coast, PO Box 212, Buderim Qld 4556
- Hand deliver to Prime Property Sunshine Coast, 3/72 Burnett Steet, Buderim Qld 4556
- Left on a bench via a Maintenance Form for collection at a routine inspection if not urgent.
Emergency Maintenance
Only URGENT REPAIRS will be accepted first informally (by phone) but must be confirmed in writing as soon as possible.