It is everyone’s worst Christmas nightmare, the oven conking out with mum, dad and Aunty Dawn on the way. And as tenants, the last thing anyone wants is to be going “cold turkey” with family and friends about to descend on your rental for Chrissy lunch.

In Queensland and NSW, for example, tenants are expected to contact the nominated tradesperson listed on their lease first for any emergency repairs. Most states treat the breakdown of essential services, including cooking appliances, as an emergency repair. That said, it can be a grey area. Many property managers will argue that if the cooktop still works, it may not be viewed as an emergency, even on Christmas Day. If the entire appliance or the cooking source fails, it is more likely to meet the threshold for essential services not being available.

If the oven fails on Christmas Day, real estate offices prefer you call the listed tradesperson, as the property manager has vetted them. These tradies will be fully- qualified, fully insured, licensed and operating as a registered business. This is why your property manager’s preferred tradesperson should always be your first point of contact for an emergency.

If you have tried the nominated contact and cannot reach them because they are closed, unavailable or not answering, you can then arrange another qualified tradesperson to attend. Be sure to keep all receipts, so you can be reimbursed, and let your property manager know about the issue as soon as possible.

With the holidays fast approaching, it is worth doing a little preparation yourself in advance. Check on your property manager’s after-hours emergency procedures and confirm when the office will be closed - many agencies shut from either 19 or 24 December. Also, make sure you have the correct emergency contacts, know who to call first, and understand the process if a preferred tradesperson cannot be reached. A few minutes spent checking these procedures now can save a major headache on Christmas Day.

Most importantly, give any kitchen appliances you plan to use over the festive season a quick test run. If the oven, cooktop, or dishwasher hasn’t been used in months, turn them on now. You don’t want to discover a malfunction when you’re halfway through preparing the turkey dinner, and Uncle Arthur has arrived early, eager for his festive feast.

For more information on your Christmas emergency repair process, office closure dates and who to contact if something goes wrong over the holiday period, speak with your local Raine and Horne Property Manager.