Your maintenance team is there for you! Dripping faucet, running toilet, broken garbage disposal? When you live in an apartment, you don’t have to fix (or hire someone to fix) these issues. But there are certain things you should do to make sure you are submitting a maintenance request properly. First, be detailed. For example, the dripping faucet. Don’t submit a request that simply says, “Fix faucet.” To get the best results, give details: The kitchen faucet is dripping steadily. If it’s an emergency, you should have an emergency number. Call that immediately.
What constitutes an emergency? Think broken pipe and flooded bathroom. If there’s a risk of further, more extensive damage, that’s a definite emergency. That said, don’t wait for an issue to become a bigger issue or an emergency. Report a problem as soon as you notice it, and follow up with your property manager with an email if you don’t get a response.
If you spot anything that may need to be reported, do not wait. Be prompt with your request and your property manager should be quick in fixing them. Here are a few things to know when it comes to repairs and rentals.
Who is Responsible for the Repairs?
When it comes to who should be doing the repairs for your rental, it may be best to stay away from doing them yourself. It’s one of the perks of renting, after all. Call on the super or someone from maintenance to come to your home. Usually, a maintenance request is submitted by the rental office. For repairs, the time frame is typically 24-48 hours. If you can keep a record of every claim you submit, this will ensure accountability and order.
Could Maintenance Come In Without My Knowledge or Permission?
There may be a point in time where someone may have to come into your apartment to fix an issue that could be affecting other renters, like a leak. In any case, you can request that if someone is coming in to conduct a repair without your knowledge or you are not home, they must have the repair in writing. In many cases, maintenance will leave a note on your door or call you to ensure you are aware that an issue was being resolved.
What Happens if My Repairs Never Get Fixed?
So you’ve put in a request for maintenance, and you haven’t heard back. Be sure to follow up with an email, or head down to the leasing office and talk to the property manager. It's possible your request was overlooked, or you didn't submit the request properly. Either way, a quick follow-up should resolve the issue. If it doesn't, and you are concerned about your health or safety, research your state and local laws online to see what actions you can take next. You can also research tenancy advocacy groups that assist with reporting code violations. Either way, moving into your new rental is an exciting time and should remain that way throughout your stay. So don’t despair when things go wrong. Consider your options and be vigilant in your requests.
How Much Do Repairs Cost?
It is expected that, through time, some machines or fixtures may need to be repaired in your apartment rental. Wear and tear is normal and should be brought to your attention before there is a need to fix it. For machines that you have broken, like the washer and dryer or a clogged drain, you may have to shell out the funds to get those fixed.
What Does the Law Say?
One thing to always be privy to is your state’s “Residential Landlord and Tenant Act” or your state’s “Rental Housing Act.” This act thoroughly defines the landlord's responsibilities to you as a tenant in your state. If your state does not have a Residential Landlord or Tenant Act, then inquire about your state’s similar adopted parts of the legal doctrine. It’s also important to note the term “Implied Warranty of Habitability” when moving into your rental. This requirement means that landlords “maintain their rental units in safe, operable, and sanitary conditions” at all times.
