Blocked drain in a rental: landlord or tenant pays?
Updated October 2026
In NSW the landlord is generally responsible for blocked drains caused by wear and tear, tree roots or broken pipes. The tenant usually pays if they caused it, for example by flushing wipes or putting fat down the sink.
| Option | Typical Sydney cost | Block Drains |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked sewer main (jet + camera) | $300–$800 | $549 |
| Blocked toilet | $180–$350 | $249 |
Urgent repairs
Under the NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010, a blocked or broken toilet system is an urgent repair. If the landlord or agent can't be reached, a tenant can arrange the repair and claim reasonable costs back, within the limits the law sets.
Who caused it decides who pays
- Tree roots, cracked pipes and old clay lines: landlord.
- Wipes, sanitary items, fat or objects flushed by the tenant: tenant.
- A CCTV report showing the cause is the simplest way to settle it.
Check the current rules
Limits and processes change. Check the NSW Fair Trading website for the current urgent repair rules before you pay.
Not sure which applies to you?
A camera inspection shows exactly what's wrong before you commit to anything.
More guides
- Pipe relining vs dig and replace: cost compared
- Hydro jetting vs electric eel: which clears a drain better?
- Is a CCTV drain inspection worth it?