Whether you’re living in an older building or a new mixed-use development, you will submit a maintenance request at some point while renting. Maybe your garbage disposal isn’t working, or pesky pests have invaded your abode. Regardless of the situation, here’s everything you need to know about maintenance requests.
What is a maintenance request?
A maintenance request is a formal communication asking your landlord or property management company to repair something in your home such as a malfunctioning refrigerator. Here are some common examples of maintenance repairs your landlord or apartment community will fix for you:
- HVAC repairs, such as a broken AC unit
- Plumbing, like a clogged or running toilet
- Pest control
- Water damage and leaks from the ceiling, bathtub, sink, and other areas
- Appliances that were included with the unit
- Door and window locks
- Crack or leaks in the roof or walls
- Routine maintenance such as cleaning the air filters or checking smoke detectors
What is a maintenance emergency?
A maintenance emergency is an issue that should be repaired ASAP because it can cause harm or serious injury to you or the property if not handled immediately. A few examples of emergency maintenance include the following:
- No heat during freezing weather
- No air conditioning in hot weather
- A broken lock on your door
- A broken gas line or leak
- Flooding or a broken water line
- Fire (make sure to call 911 first)
Even though both situations are inconvenient, note that getting locked out of your apartment and power outages are not considered maintenance emergencies. You can call a locksmith to get back inside of your home or hide an extra key in a safe spot if you ever get locked out. A power outage could be the result of the electric company, so maintenance can’t do anything in this situation. Usually, your landlord or property manager will provide a contact number for regular and emergency maintenance after you sign your lease.
How to Submit a Maintenance Request
Submitting a maintenance request is very easy. You can call or email your landlord, property manager, or leasing office directly. Many apartment communities will allow you to submit a maintenance request through an online portal as well, so you might not have to call or email at all.
Should you ever handle maintenance repairs on your own?
There are some small maintenance issues you can handle on your own such as fixing a clogged toilet or tub, changing a burned out light bulb, or replacing batteries in a smoke detector. However, there are some repairs you should leave for your landlord or the maintenance team to handle. If you try to fix the problem on your own, you could end up violating your lease and be held liable for any further damage you create. You could also hurt yourself if you try to go DIY.
Broken appliances or damaged electrical sockets are two examples of maintenance repairs you shouldn’t attempt on your own. As a rule of thumb, if the repair requires the help of a plumber, HVAC technician, or another professional, it’s best to submit a maintenance request. If you aren’t sure what to do, check your lease or reach out to your landlord or property manager.
What to Do if Maintenance Requests Are Not Completed
Landlords are legally obligated to provide a habitable living space. The specific requirements for habitability vary by state, but generally, landlords must ensure that the rental property is sanitary and safe to live in. Although it is possible to withhold rent if your landlord does not handle maintenance issues, it’s important to approach the situation appropriately. You can still get evicted for not paying rent depending on your state and local laws.
Before moving forward, review your lease and determine if the repair is your landlord’s responsibility. If it is and the problem has not been handled in a timely manner, follow up via email or certified mail. Be very specific in the letter and include photos if you can. Also keep a copy of any communication you have with your landlord or property manager in case you need it later, such as filing paperwork in a small claims suit. If your landlord does not handle the issues appropriately after your initial follow-up email or letter, send another communication, look up your local laws, and consider contacting a real estate attorney to help you determine if you should withhold rent or pursue other options.
Conclusion
One of the perks of renting is free maintenance and some apartment complexes even have 24/7 maintenance. Emergency issues should be resolved immediately as they can cause major harm to you and/or the rental property. There are some maintenance repairs you can handle on your own like unclogging a toilet, but other tasks should be left to your landlord or a professional to handle. If your landlord or property manager does not handle the repairs promptly, there are actions you can take before withholding rent. Thankfully, submitting a maintenance request is very simple and can be done via phone, email, or an online portal.
