Maintenance – Tenant Troubleshooting Guide
At Mareeba Property Management, we understand that maintenance issues can be frustrating and you want them resolved as quickly as possible.
In many cases, simple checks can resolve an issue immediately and help avoid unnecessary delays or call-out fees. Before submitting a maintenance request, please review the relevant section below.
Important:
Tenants are not expected to carry out repairs or maintenance. This guide is for basic checks only.
If at any time something appears unsafe, stop immediately and contact our office.
Call-Out Fees & Responsibility
Please note that if a maintenance request results in a contractor attending and the issue is found to be:
- due to tenant damage,
- lack of basic checks outlined in this guide,
- misuse or incorrect operation of appliances, or
- an issue that is the tenant’s responsibility under the tenancy agreement,
the cost of the call-out or repair may be charged to the tenant, in accordance with the tenancy agreement and Queensland legislation.
Electrical & Appliance Issues
No Power to the Property
- Check whether the outage affects the entire street (contact your electricity provider if so).
- If you live in a unit or townhouse, check whether the issue affects the whole complex (contact the Body Corporate Manager).
- Check the safety switch in the meter box and reset it once if it has tripped.
- If the safety switch trips again, do not attempt to reset it further.
- Unplug appliances and re-plug them one by one to identify whether a faulty appliance may be causing the issue.
Lights or Power Points Not Working
- Check the safety switch.
- Test the appliance in another power point to confirm whether the issue is with the appliance.
- Replace blown light globes (tenant responsibility).
Kitchen Appliances
Stove / Oven Not Working
- Confirm electricity or gas supply is connected.
- Check the isolation switch near the cooktop or oven is turned on.
- Some ovens require the clock or timer to be set before they will operate.
Rangehood Not Working
- Check the power is switched on.
- Clean or check filters if accessible (routine cleaning only).
Laundry Appliances
Washing Machine Not Working
- Ensure it is plugged in and switched on.
- Check taps are fully turned on.
- Check for unbalanced or overloaded loads.
- Ensure the lid or door is fully closed.
Dryer Not Working
- Ensure it is plugged in and switched on.
- Clean the lint filter.
- Ensure the door safety latch is engaged.
Air Conditioning
Air Conditioner Not Responding
- Replace the batteries in the remote control.
- Ensure the unit is switched on at the wall.
- Check the correct mode is selected (cool / heat / fan).
- Clean accessible filters in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
- If the system is still not operating correctly, submit a maintenance request.
- Tenants must not open units, access electrical components, or attempt repairs.
Garage Door / Remote
- Replace batteries in the remote control.
- Ensure the motor is plugged in and switched on.
- Check the manual override lever is engaged.
- Ensure the door is not obstructed.
Plumbing & Water
No Hot Water
- Identify whether the system is electric or gas.
- For electric systems, check the safety switch.
- For gas systems, ensure the gas supply is connected.
- Allow time for the system to reheat if hot water has been depleted.
Blocked Sink or Shower (Minor)
- Remove visible debris (e.g. hair) from strainers.
- Do not use chemical drain cleaners.
- If the blockage persists, submit a maintenance request.
Smoke Alarms
- Notify the agency if a smoke alarm is beeping or not functioning.
- Do not remove or tamper with smoke alarms.
- Where safe to do so, replace removable batteries and notify the agency.
- Tenant Responsibility: If a smoke alarm is removed, damaged, or becomes non-functional due to tenant action, the tenant may be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement, including any contractor call-out fees.
Doors, Windows & Fixtures
- Check doors and windows are unlocked before reporting them as stuck.
- Report loose handles or fixtures — do not attempt repairs.
- If doors or windows become difficult to operate, report the issue promptly.
Disclaimer
This troubleshooting guide is provided for general information only. It does not replace the tenant’s obligations under the tenancy agreement or the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld).
Tenants must not attempt repairs, maintenance, or tasks requiring specialist knowledge or licensed trades. The agency accepts no liability for actions taken by tenants beyond basic checks outlined in this guide