Maintenance & Repairs

Maintenance is a shared responsibility between you, the renter, and Unison Housing (Unison). We encourage you to do what is within your control to minimise maintenance issues where possible and, if you need repairs or maintenance, to contact us as soon as possible. The time it takes to repair will depend on the issue’s complexity, and whether it’s urgent or not.

Urgent Repairs

Urgent repairs are issues that affect the safety or the habitability of a property. We treat urgent repairs seriously and start arranging them as soon as we are aware of the issue. You can expect Unison or our contractors to contact you and make plans to attend your property within 24 hours of reporting a repair. The time it takes to fix the issue will depend on the urgency and how complex the fix is. If you notice an urgent repair, like a burst water service, broken toilet or gas leak, please contact us right away using the contact info below. To see more examples of urgent repairs, see our FAQs.

Make Room, Social & Affordable Housing Renters

Call: 1800 864 766 (available 24/7)

Transitional Housing & Kensington Public Housing Renters

Call: (03) 9688 8300

After hours: 131 172

Non-Urgent Repairs

Non-urgent repairs are issues that don’t present an immediate risk to safety or the habitability of the property. These are typically resolved within 14 days. If you notice a non-urgent repair, like a broken curtain, internal door knob or chipping plasterwork, please contact our Maintenance Team promptly using the contact information below. To see examples of non-urgent repairs, see our FAQs.

Make Room, Social & Affordable Housing Renters

Call: 1800 864 766 (available 24/7) or submit a non-urgent maintenance or repair request using the form below.

Transitional Housing & Kensington Public Housing Renters

Call: (03) 9688 8300

Please note: we are not able to arrange repairs for your personal items like a television, fridge or washing machine that you supplied.

FAQs

What are my responsibilities as a Unison renter?

As a Unison renter, you’re responsible for general maintenance and upkeep of your home, including:

Replacing light globes
Cleaning
Pest control
Garden maintenance

If you’re unable to manage these tasks due to a health condition or disability, please contact your Place Manager.

What are some examples of urgent repairs?

Rental law says urgent repairs are:

Burst water service
Blocked or broken toilet
Serious roof leak
Gas leak
Dangerous electrical fault
Flooding or severe water damage
Storm or fire damage
Failure of essential services (hot water, cooking, heating, laundry)
No gas, electricity, or water supply
Broken cooling appliance provided by Unison
Property not meeting minimum standards
Faulty safety devices (e.g. smoke alarms, pool fences)
Fixtures causing significant water waste
Fault that makes a dwelling unsafe or insecure, including a pest infestation, mould or damp caused by the building structure, or a serious fault in a lift or staircase.

If you’re unsure, contact your Maintenance Team:

Make Room, Social & Affordable Housing Renters: call 1800 864 766 (24/7)

Transitional Housing & Kensington Public Housing Renters: call (03) 9688 8300 or 131 172 (after hours)

What are some examples of non-urgent repairs?

Some examples of non-urgent repairs include:

Broken internal doors or handles
Damaged cupboards
Broken clothesline
Curtain or blind repairs
Minor cosmetic repairs like plasterwork
Faulty light fittings.

If you’re unsure, contact your Maintenance Team:

Make Room, Social & Affordable Housing: call: 1800 864 766 (available 24/7) or submit a non-urgent maintenance or repair form (above).

Transitional Housing & Kensington Public Housing: call (03) 9688 8300

My repairs are taking too long. What can I do?

If repairs are delayed or not done properly call the relevant number listed above, contact your Place Manager or submit a complaints and feedback form, to have the issue followed up.

You can have an advocate or support person with you when you talk to us. For information and assistance, contact: