Stay alert to scams
After catastrophic events such as cyclones, floods, bushfires and other natural disasters, it's important to be wary of scams when you're arranging repairs or building work.
Unfortunately, sometimes fraudsters posing as builders and tradespeople take the opportunity to prey on people when they are vulnerable and in need of immediate assistance.
Homeowners
If you're a homeowner and facing the impacts of a natural disaster, before you engage a tradesperson/builder, always:
- check their licence
- ask for references and examples of their previous work
- check out the NSW Building Commission's Step by step guide to choosing the right tradesperson or builder
- check the contract to confirm what is included and what is not included
- confirm whether subcontractors will be involved
- check the builder has additional insurance beyond the mandatory Home Building Compensation (HBC) cover
- understand what compensation may be available if construction delays lead to extra costs such as additional mortgage repayments.
Tenants
If you're a tenant and facing rental property damage contact your landlord or property manager as soon as possible to report the repairs needed.
There are 2 types of repairs:
- urgent repairs include gas leaks, dangerous electrical faults, burst water services, blocked toilets, serious structural damage from flooding, storms, or fire, and essential appliance failures such as stoves, ovens, heaters, or hot water systems
- non-urgent repairs are those that do not pose an immediate risk, but still need to be fixed.
Landlords and agents have an obligation to carry out urgent repairs promptly.
Note: If urgent repairs are needed and you cannot reach the landlord or agent, you may arrange repairs yourself using an approved or preferred tradesperson listed in your tenancy agreement, and claim reimbursement up to $1,000.
If you are living in social housing you can Request or report property maintenance issues in social housing.