Tenant Maintenance FAQ: What Renters Should Know

Something in your rental stops working. Now what?

Knowing when to submit a maintenance request, what information to include, and what situations require immediate attention can make the repair process easier for everyone.

We’ve answered some of the most common questions renters have about maintenance so you’ll know what to do when an issue comes up.

When Should I Submit a Maintenance Request?

Submit a maintenance request when something in your rental needs repair or professional attention.

This could include issues with plumbing, electrical systems, appliances provided with the property, heating or cooling equipment, doors, locks, or other components of the home.

For minor issues, there may be a few simple things you can safely check first. However, you should never attempt a repair that requires specialized tools, technical knowledge, or could create a safety risk.

When in doubt, submit a request.

What Should I Check Before Submitting a Request?

A few basic checks may help resolve simple problems or provide useful information for the maintenance team.

Depending on the issue, you might check:

• Whether a circuit breaker has tripped
• Whether a GFCI outlet needs to be reset
• Whether thermostat batteries need replacing
• Whether an appliance is properly plugged in
• Whether a garbage disposal needs to be reset

These are the types of simple troubleshooting steps we covered in our renter maintenance tips. If the problem continues, submit a maintenance request rather than attempting a more complicated repair yourself.

What Information Should I Include in My Maintenance Request?

The more information you provide, the easier it can be for the maintenance team to understand the problem.

When submitting a request, include a clear description of what’s happening, where the issue is located, and when you first noticed it.

Photos or videos can also be helpful when the tenant portal allows you to include them.

Instead of simply writing, “Sink is broken,” for example, explain whether the faucet is leaking, the drain isn’t working, or water is appearing underneath the cabinet.

What Counts as a Maintenance Emergency?

Some maintenance problems are more urgent than others.

An emergency generally involves an immediate threat to people or the property, such as a significant active water leak, serious electrical hazard, or another condition that could cause substantial damage or create an immediate safety concern.

Follow the emergency maintenance instructions provided by your property management team for urgent situations.

If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, contact the appropriate emergency services.

What Maintenance Is the Tenant Responsible For?

Maintenance responsibilities can vary depending on the property and the terms of your lease.

Tenants are generally expected to take reasonable care of the home, keep it clean, and report problems promptly before they become larger issues.

Your lease is the best source for determining your specific responsibilities. If you’re unsure whether something is your responsibility or should be handled by maintenance, contact your property management team.

What Happens After I Submit a Maintenance Request?

Once your request is received, the maintenance team can review the information and determine the appropriate next step.

Depending on the problem, additional information may be needed before service can be scheduled. Some repairs may also require a vendor, replacement part, or additional visit.

Providing detailed information when you submit the original request can help make this process easier.

How Quickly Will My Maintenance Request Be Completed?

Repair timelines depend on the type and severity of the problem.

Urgent issues are generally prioritized differently from routine repairs. Availability of technicians, vendors, parts, and access to the property can also affect how quickly a repair can be completed.

If the status of your request changes or additional action is needed from you, follow the communication provided through your property management team.

Can Maintenance Enter My Home If I’m Not There?

Access procedures can depend on your lease, the type of maintenance request, and applicable requirements.

When submitting a request, review the access options available through your tenant portal and any instructions provided by the property management team.

If you have questions or concerns about access, communicate them when submitting your request.

Should I Report a Small Problem Even If It Isn’t Urgent?

Yes. Small problems can sometimes become larger ones when they’re left unreported.

A minor leak, unusual sound, loose fixture, or other change may seem insignificant at first, but reporting it gives the maintenance team an opportunity to determine whether attention is needed.

You don’t need to wait until something completely stops working before letting your property management team know about it.

Making Maintenance Easier

Maintenance issues are an inevitable part of living in any home, but knowing what to do when they happen can make the process much smoother.

Try simple and safe troubleshooting when appropriate, provide plenty of information when submitting a request, and report issues promptly rather than waiting for them to become larger problems.

For P. J. Hussey residents, maintenance requests should be submitted through your tenant portal according to the instructions provided for your property.