So repairs are needed legally? (5,3,3)

I believe the answer is:

break the law

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'legally?' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I can't judge whether it can be defined by this definition.

'so repairs are' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
an anagram of 'are' is 'rea' which is within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'needed' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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