Quick answer: Landlords can avoid overpaying for rental plumbing by asking for the original trade invoice, setting an approval limit, asking for photos, nominating their own plumber and booking yearly maintenance checks.
I do a lot of work for real estate agencies and I’m grateful for it. But I also hear from landlords who are shocked by plumbing invoices on their rental statements, and they have a point. Here’s what to look out for and how to make sure you’re paying a fair price.
Why rental plumbing can cost more
- Some management arrangements add admin or coordination fees on top of the trade invoice
- Jobs are sometimes sent to whoever is on the agency’s list, not whoever gives the best value
- Small problems go unreported until they become big ones
- Quick fixes get repeated instead of solving the cause
What landlords can do
- Ask to see the original trade invoice, not just the line on your statement
- Set an approval limit so anything over a set amount needs your OK first
- Ask for photos of the problem and the finished work
- Nominate your own plumber. Most agencies are happy to use one you trust.
- Book a yearly maintenance check to catch problems early
How we work
We give a price before the work starts, send photos and footage, and only recommend work that’s actually needed. Agencies like working with us for the same reason landlords do: no surprises.
If you own a rental around Ryde, Epping, Eastwood or the North Shore and want a straight answer on a quote, call me on 0451 001 503.
Quick questions
Most agencies are happy to use a plumber the landlord nominates.
Ask for the original trade invoice and photos of the problem and the finished work.
