When there is a plumbing emergency at your investment property, it’s crucial that your tenants know what to do. If they don’t, this can cause significant damage to your property and lead to expensive plumbing bills. Learn your responsibilities as a property owner around this issue. To help you we have compiled the following helpful guide.
What Constitutes a Plumbing Emergency?
First, let’s identify what makes a plumbing emergency. It is generally defined as an occurrence/event that needs immediate attention as it interferes with normal functioning of a building. Clogged drains, burst water pipes, gas leaks, broken hot water heater, blocked toilets and flooding are classified as plumbing emergencies. Leaking taps are not classified as emergency plumbing. They still need repairs though. Always use a qualified plumber certified to carry out emergency plumbing.
Landlord Responsibilities
Before the start of a tenancy, it is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure the property (residential or commercial) is in a safe state of repair (this includes the plumbing) and that tenants can move in. However, once the Residential Tenancy Agreement is signed and the tenant has moved into your property, the responsibility of maintaining the property is shared. Who takes responsibility for the issues that can arise during the tenancy term and the rights of each party are laid out in the Tenancy Agreement. This can be done with a Water wise/wells health checks.
Tenancy Responsibilities
During the lease term, it is the tenant’s responsibility to take good care of the property and maintain functional aspects. This includes taking proper measures to stop issues from arising. For example, with regards to plumbing, the tenant should keep the property clean and be sure to not flush or wash things down drains and toilets that could cause blockages. They should be aware of the location of the water meter and know how to turn it off. This will stop the continuous flow of water into the property.
Who do Tenants Contact when a Plumbing Emergency Occurs?
Tenants should be provided with contact details from their property managers of the plumbing company that is used. These details should be provided when entering a lease agreement. Furthermore, they should be updated when required. Providing these details directly to the tenant, and ensuring they’re up to date, provides clear understanding and fast reactions times. It saves your property manager’s time and effort too. Please note that the Tenancy Agreement includes contact information in case of an emergency, including phone numbers, agent numbers and numbers of emergency plumbers.
Reputable Emergency Plumbing
It can’t be stressed enough just how important it is that you always go through a reputable plumbing service for your emergency plumbing and all other plumbing needs. A fully licensed and qualified plumbing service will carry out quality work, liaise with tenants, landlords and property managers in a professional and efficient manner. Getting a plumber that is used by reputable Property managers is a bonus. Aside from extra credibility they understand the rules and regulations around rental properties.
For all your emergency plumbing needs just contact the plumbing experts at O’Neill & Brown Plumbing service.
