Repairs after an earthquake

In the aftermath of the magnitude-3.8 earthquake that shook Melbourne late on 28 May 2023, if your rented home was damaged and needs repairs, Tenants Victoria has compiled some useful information for you.

Check your home for damage. If repairs due to the earthquake are required, this is the landlord’s responsibility.

If any part of your home appears to be unsafe because of the earthquake leave the property until a more detailed inspection can be made.

If safe to do so we recommend taking videos or photos of damage so you can pass this on to the landlord, or agent, after you have left.

If you have sustained earthquake-related damage call the SES on 132 500.

Whatever the degree of damage, contact the landlord or agent to let them know about it, and send details of the repairs needed in writing.

If the damage is serious ask that they take all necessary action to have the house assessed and made safe as quickly as possible.

Keep a record of any call logs, emails and texts in case you need them later.

Find out your rights and the process for getting repairs done on our website’s Repairs page.

Be aware that there is a risk of aftershocks.

Mark Quigley, associate professor of earthquake science at the University of Melbourne, wrote on The Conversation website after the September 2021 earthquake: ‘Even if the aftershocks aren’t as intense in magnitude, smaller quakes can still be incredibly damaging depending on their depth and location.’

The Vic Emergency website says that if a severe aftershock occurs you should:

• Drop to the ground.
• Take cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture.
• Hold on until the shaking stops.