SAMPLE LETTER

Urgent repairs

You can use this letter when there are "urgent repairs" that are needed in your premises and the landlord has failed to carry out the repairs in a reasonable time. This letter puts them on notice that you will carry out the work and seek a refund from them. Make sure you have read Factsheet 6: Repairs and Maintenance before sending this letter.

Copy and paste the template letter below or download a copy from the link above. Remember to substitute your details for the details contained in [square brackets].

[Your name and address]

[Date]

[Landlord’s or agent’s name and address]

Dear …

Re: Urgent repairs to [your address]

I am writing about urgent repairs required at the above premises: [The toilet is blocked and leaking and requires urgent repair.]

This outstanding repair constitutes an urgent repair under section 64(2) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010.

I notified you of these urgent repairs on [date] and still no repairs have been done. Under section 64(3) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 I can authorise repairs up to $1000 by a licensed or qualified person as I have given you reasonable notice that urgent repairs are required and you have not taken any action.

If you do not make arrangement to do the urgent repairs in the next two days I will arrange a plumber to fix the toilet and require you to reimburse my costs within 14 days.

Please contact me on [phone number] during work hours to arrange a convenient time for the repairs to be done.

Yours sincerely

[T Tenant]