My landlord won't fix it in NSW. What can I do?

Yes. If they will not act on an urgent repair, or cannot be reached, you can spend $1,000.

Your clock

• $1,000: Most you can spend
• 14 days from your notice: They repay you

The rule in NSW

• Urgent: gas leak, dangerous electrical fault, no power or water, burst pipe, blocked toilet.
• Tell them first, in writing if you can. Use the tradesperson named in your lease if there is one, or a licensed one. Then send them the details and receipts in writing.
• Other repairs: ask in writing and get their consent before you pay.
• If nothing happens, you can go to Fair Trading or NCAT.

Stopping rent is a breach and can lead to a termination notice.

What to send

Please repair [problem] at [address] by [date]. I first reported it on [date].

Who to call

• NSW Fair Trading, 13 32 20
• NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), 1300 006 228
• Tenants' Union of NSW (Tenants Advice and Advocacy Services), 1800 251 101

Where this comes from

• NSW Fair Trading: Getting repairs done on a rental property
• Tenants' Union of NSW: Repairs and maintenance

General information, not legal advice on your situation.