Maintenance & Repair Tips

Before you log your Maintenance Request, please check the following tips to avoid any unnecessary call outs. If it is after hours, please consider whether it is an emergency and if it can wait until business hours.

Bath or shower leaks

The most common problem in properties is leaking from wet areas eg bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, into adjoining rooms. A regular check for water leaks is advisable. If the carpet/floor is wet, sponge and dry area thoroughly and check again after use. Advise our office if a problem.

Clothes dryer is not working

Check…

• clean filter before every use of the dryer
• is power on
• dryer is not overloaded
• is air temperature hot when running

This appliance is not essential; please complete a repair advice form and send to our office to report failure.

Faulty switches or fans

Do not attempt to fix it yourself. Do not use switches. Contact our office as soon as possible.

Hot plates are not working

Check if power is connected or check power box for tripped switch or blown fuse. Contact us.

Hot water not hot

If your supply of hot water is not hot or does not seem to last as long as it should, your hot water system may need topping up. Locate the filler valve on the side of the hot water system and lift the floppy lever until water flows from the overflow. Repeat this process every few months. Otherwise, check….is the power switched on; has the power box tripped the switch or blown a fuse; or has your shower routine changed or increased (tank capacity and/or tariff rates will affect this). Remember in winter, efficiency of the tank is less than in summer and the water will cool quicker.

Note: Please follow the above procedure before requesting maintenance. If this does not rectify the problem please complete a maintenance request form. Remember a leaking hot water tap will cause poor supply of hot water and high electricity accounts.

Insinkerator not working

If your food disposal unit fails to work, you may need to push the reset button. This button is located under the unit and is usually coloured red. Do not attempt to disassemble unit. Is there a blockage in the sink/blades? IMPORTANT – Before putting hands down the sink to check for blockages, make sure the unit is turned off at the wall and unplugged. If this does not rectify the problem please complete a maintenance request form and send to our office. Tenants will be required to pay for callouts to repair food disposal units that are blocked due to tenant misuse or abuse.

Kitchen or Bathroom sink is blocked

• Have you tried using some Draino to try and free the blockage?
• Have you tried pouring boiling water down the sink to free up old soap & hair?
• Have you cleared hairs and old soap from the waste & “u” bend? Put a bucket under the pipe, unscrew the pipe under the sink (where possible) remove the hair and old soap and re-screw the pipe back together. Pour boiling water down the drain, this should clear the blockage.
• Have you removed old food from the kitchen waste & poured boiling water down the drain? Do not put fat and oil into the drain as these will clog up the pipes.

If these methods fail, please complete a maintenance request form.

Leaking from toilet

Regular mopping and turning off the tap between uses is adequate until the tradesperson arrives. Please complete the maintenance request form and send to our office to arrange for a tradesperson.

Lights not working

Check power or fuse box. Ensure the power is on and the switch has not tripped. Check whether the problem applies to all lights or just one circuit. Have you replaced the light bulb? If problem not remedied contact your property manager.

Pool problems

• Water level is a priority and must be kept at a level to allow water to flow through the skimmer box at all times. Failure to do this could result in enormous expenditure to you. Top up according to council regulations in your area.
• No metal objects are to be allowed in the pool as they could cause corrosion marks
• No animals in the pool as this creates a huge chemical imbalance.
• Ensure regular water testing for correct PH level to prevent mould/fungus forming in the pool.
• Clear the skimmer box every few days, especially if windy.
• Vacuum at least once a week to keep pool clear of debris.
• Regular checks of pump to ensure motor working correctly and efficiently (making funny noises could be a forerunner to a problem). Leaking or pooling water at the pump could mean a cracked casing and will need attention.
• Even if pool is maintained for you, it is your responsibility to notify us of any problems.

Power not on

If your neighbours have also lost power contact your electricity supplier. Otherwise check if you have a Safety Switch, which may have tripped. If so, reset the switch. If it trips again unplug all appliances from power points. Reset Safety Switch and plug in appliances one at a time until the faulty appliance is located. If you have a fuse box check this for a blown fuse.

Note: If this does not rectify the problem please notify our office. Tenants will be required to pay for callouts where a faulty appliance belonging to them has caused the problem.

Washing machine not working

Please check…

• that the power is connected
• that the water taps are turned on
• the load of clothes is not off balance or too high
• lid is connecting with on/off switch when closing
• hoses are securely attached
• if leaking, check hoses for splits

When all else fails, phone us during office hours. This is not an emergency. Locate nearest Laundromat and phone us during office hours.

Water leaks in the yard

Water bubbling out of the ground could be a serious problem and could lead to further complications. Phone our office immediately.

Emergency maintenance

Emergency maintenance must be reported immediately. Please refer to the Information Statement – Renting a Home (the booklet in your new tenant kit) page 15. All emergencies must be phoned through to the office as soon as possible and then confirmed in writing.

General repairs

All general maintenance must be put in writing using the maintenance request forms that are available from our office, or by completing the online request form or download here and fax to us:

Click Here to download Maintenance Request Form