COVID-19 Office Closed to Public

Posted on 29 Mar 2020

SEARMS has now moved into Stage 3 RESTRICT of it’s Pandemic Plan.

A reduced team is still available by phone on 1800 138 425.

While standard property inspections and non-urgent repairs work are suspended, business is running as usual.

So continue to keep up with your rent and arrears payments and call us if you have any Urgent Category 1 or 2 repairs.

Category 1- Urgent Time frame to respond = within 24 hours

Definition: Emergency work that must be undertaken immediately as it poses an immediate threat to either person or property

• Loss of power / lighting to the whole property (due to property fault as opposed to unpaid bills)
• Loss of water to the whole property
• Gas leak
• Hot water service – burst, not working at all
• Blocked drains, sinks, baths, basins, toilets (maybe Category 2**)
• Property Security eg any fault or damage that makes the property unsafe/not secure eg external locks, wall breach (other than Tenant Damage)
• Serious roof leak
• Flooding (maybe Category 2**)

Category 2 – Priority Time frame to respond = within 2-3 days

Definition: Work that is of an urgent nature that does NOT pose any life threatening risk to person or property

• Repairs to taps / dripping taps
• Re-fix loose / broken, rotted floor boards
• Leaks to waste pipes to internal fittings (maybe Category 1**)
• Flushing cisterns
• Repair internal door entry
• Fallen gutters/downpipes
• Blocked surface water drains ie stormwater

 ** Refer to Maintenance Co-ordinator to determine the severity of the problem and whether should be Category 1 or 2, hence the time frame to respond.