Direct answer
Report five facts and ask for confirmation
Locate and describe the fault
Name the room and fixture, then report what happens without guessing the cause.
The kitchen tap in Unit 8 drips after I turn it off.
Add timing and impact
State when you noticed it and how it affects normal use.
I noticed it on Monday, and the dripping is more frequent.
Request action and arrange access
Ask for the repair and give realistic contact or access options.
Could you arrange a tradesperson and contact me before anyone attends?
Create a written record
Confirm the date, issue, requested action, and next update in writing.
I’ll email this today. Please confirm the repair reference.
Conversation 1
Report the fault by phone
Complete dialogue+
A fictional renter in Victoria calls a property manager about a loose internal wardrobe door handle.
Hi, I’m calling about a non-urgent repair at Unit 8, 24 River Street. The handle on the main bedroom wardrobe door is loose.
When did you first notice it, and can you still use the door?
I noticed it yesterday. The door opens, but the handle moves away from the panel.
Could you send a photo by email?
Yes. I’ll send a dated email and photo. Could you confirm the reference and next update?
The reference is RP-417. I’ll contact the rental provider and update you by email.
Thank you. Please ask the tradesperson to contact me before attending so we can agree on access.
The description separates observation from cause. It also creates a bridge from the phone call to the dated written request used in the Victorian context.
Worked example 2
Send a short written follow-up
The email identifies the property, dates the request, records observable facts, and asks for confirmation. It does not assign blame or invent a legal deadline. Keep a copy of real correspondence and follow your location’s current process.
Useful language
Use precise repair phrases and avoid guessing
| Phrase | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| property manager | The person or agency managing the rental | I reported the issue to the property manager. |
| non-urgent repair | The category used for a general repair in this Victorian example | I’m reporting a non-urgent repair to an internal fitting. |
| tradesperson | A skilled worker who may attend to inspect or repair | When will the tradesperson contact me? |
| repair reference | An identifier for follow-up | Could you confirm the repair reference? |
The plumbing is broken because the pipes are old.
The tap continues to drip after it is turned off; I first noticed it on Monday.
Please fix it soon.
Please confirm that the request has been received and tell me the next update.
You can enter whenever you like.
Please contact me before attending so we can confirm access arrangements.
Six minutes
Practise the call and written summary
- Use the fictional loose wardrobe handle from the example. Change the room, date and property reference, while keeping the problem non-urgent.
- Speak for 30 seconds: address, exact location, observation, date noticed, and impact.
- Answer two follow-up questions without guessing the cause.
- Ask for the repair reference, next update, and a call before attendance.
- Give a 40-second spoken version of the written follow-up, including the date and any fictional attachment.
Choose how to continue
Use independent voice practice for repetition, or choose teacher guidance for a broader learning plan.
Rehearse the repair report independently
Practise describing everyday situations in English with Flalingo’s AI speaking coach. Try voice conversations and get feedback after you speak.
Practice with the AI speaking coachChoose a guided long-term plan
Teacher-led Flalingo lessons are a separate option when you want personal teacher matching, live lessons, teacher feedback, and guidance across broader English goals.
Explore teacher-led Flalingo lessonsSources
- Repairs in rental properties
Consumer Affairs Victoria · Reviewed 10 Sept 2026
Victoria-specific terminology and process for distinguishing urgent and non-urgent repairs, making a dated written request, keeping contact records, and arranging entry; not presented as Australia-wide law or personalised advice.
- Resolving renting disputes
Consumer Affairs Victoria · Reviewed 10 Sept 2026
Victoria-specific support for explaining the problem, stating the requested resolution, recording an agreement in writing, and retaining evidence; escalation details are outside this language lesson.