How to report recurring damp around a rental window
Report the location, timing, changes and effect on using the room. Contact the repair service immediately if the property is unsafe.
Key points
- 1Contact repairs if unsafe
- 2Date and locate your photos
- 3Track completion, not just a reply
- 4Check rules before paying for repairs
1When is damp urgent?
Structural mould or damp that makes the property unsafe is an urgent repair.
Minimum standards require rooms to be free of mould and damp related to the building structure. Failure to meet minimum standards is also urgent.
Serious roof leaks and dangerous electrical faults need immediate contact through the rental repair channel, followed by a written record.
Ask management to investigate the cause of condensation or water marks. For immediate danger, move to safety and call 000.
2Build a usable record
Take a room view to locate the problem, then close-ups.
Note when it began, whether rain makes it worse, any dripping and changes to walls or belongings.
Keep dated originals alongside the condition report, work orders, attendance records and receipts.
Add new observations without overwriting earlier files. Describe visible conditions and ask the repairer to investigate the cause.
3Send a clear repair request
Use the rental provider or property manager listed in your agreement.
Include the address, exact location, date first noticed, changes, impact and a list of attached photos.
Ask for acknowledgement, the responsible person, inspection timing and interim safety measures. Offer suitable access times.
Record any urgent call and follow up phone replies by email. Ask for an appointment and responsible contact if the request was only forwarded.
4Follow up on completion
Non-urgent repairs that are the rental provider's responsibility must be completed within 14 days of written notice.
For an unresolved urgent repair, seek RDRV assistance. For overdue non-urgent work, request a CAV inspection and follow its escalation process.
If a repair required by the inspection remains undone, contact RDRV. Unresolved disputes may proceed to VCAT; keep the notice and delivery record.
Ask what caused the problem, what was repaired and whether a follow-up is needed. Add recurring damp to the same correspondence.
5Before arranging urgent work yourself
Rules include notifying the rental provider, no prompt response and a cost of no more than A$2,500.
Use qualified trades where required and keep invoices and contact records. Seek CAV or RDRV help if the work exceeds the limit or you cannot pay first.
Request reimbursement in writing within 7 days after the repair, attaching receipts. The rental provider has 7 days from receiving the notice to repay you.
Continue paying rent while repairs or reimbursement are pursued. Recovery of cleaning or inspection costs depends on the case; seek medical help for symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
When does damp around a window need urgent repair?
Structural mould or damp that makes the property unsafe is an urgent repair. Minimum standards require rooms to be free of mould and damp related to the building structure. Failure to meet minimum standards is also urgent. Serious roof leaks and dangerous electrical faults need immediate contact through the rental repair channel, followed by a written record. Ask management to investigate the cause of condensation or water marks. For immediate danger, move to safety and call 000.
What evidence should I keep of damp and mould?
Take a room view to locate the problem, then close-ups. Note when it began, whether rain makes it worse, any dripping and changes to walls or belongings. Keep dated originals alongside the condition report, work orders, attendance records and receipts. Add new observations without overwriting earlier files. Describe visible conditions and ask the repairer to investigate the cause.
What if a non-urgent repair is still incomplete after 14 days?
Non-urgent repairs that are the rental provider's responsibility must be completed within 14 days of written notice. For an unresolved urgent repair, seek RDRV assistance. For overdue non-urgent work, request a CAV inspection and follow its escalation process. If a repair required by the inspection remains undone, contact RDRV. Unresolved disputes may proceed to VCAT; keep the notice and delivery record. Ask what caused the problem, what was repaired and whether a follow-up is needed. Add recurring damp to the same correspondence.
Can I pay for an urgent repair myself?
Rules include notifying the rental provider, no prompt response and a cost of no more than A$2,500. Use qualified trades where required and keep invoices and contact records. Seek CAV or RDRV help if the work exceeds the limit or you cannot pay first. Request reimbursement in writing within 7 days after the repair, attaching receipts. The rental provider has 7 days from receiving the notice to repay you. Continue paying rent while repairs or reimbursement are pursued. Recovery of cleaning or inspection costs depends on the case; seek medical help for symptoms.
Sources (checked 2 Nov 2026)
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: Repairs in rental properties
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: Pests, infestations and mould
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: Rental minimum standards checklist
This is general information, not legal advice. The rental information covers ordinary residential rentals in Victoria. Check which rules cover other accommodation agreements.