Heating or Cooling Not Working?
If your heater or air conditioner was included in your rental and it's stopped working, your landlord must fix it. During extreme weather, this can be an urgent repair.
Need to report a heating/cooling issue?
Generate Repair Request LetterProfessional letter citing your state's legislation.
When Is It Urgent?
Urgent in Extreme Weather: Failure of heating or cooling becomes an urgent repair when it affects health and safety - during winter cold snaps or summer heatwaves. Vulnerable people (elderly, children, those with health conditions) are at particular risk.
Heating failures are typically urgent when:
- Temperatures are below 15°C
- There are vulnerable occupants (elderly, children, health conditions)
- It's the only heating source in the property
Cooling failures are typically urgent when:
- Temperatures exceed 35°C
- There are vulnerable occupants
- The property has poor ventilation
- During official heatwave warnings
Your Rights
Key Point: If heating or air conditioning was included when you moved in or is listed in your lease, the landlord must maintain it in working order throughout your tenancy.
The landlord is NOT required to:
- Install heating/cooling if there wasn't any when you moved in
- Upgrade to a newer system
- Add additional units
The landlord IS required to:
- Maintain existing systems in working order
- Repair or replace broken systems
- Service systems as needed
State-Specific Notes
- Victoria: Minimum standards require heating in main living area for properties built before 1 April 2010
- Queensland: Air conditioning failures in summer should be treated as urgent due to extreme heat
- Tasmania: Heating failures in winter are particularly serious given the climate
Generate a professional repair request
Create Your Letter NowCites correct legislation for your state.
What To Include in Your Request
- Description of the problem (not heating, not cooling, making strange noises, etc.)
- When it stopped working
- Current weather conditions (temperature if extreme)
- Any vulnerable occupants affected
- Request for urgent repair if conditions warrant
Take action now
Generate Your Repair RequestThis page provides general information. It is not legal advice. For specific advice, contact your local tenants' union.