How to Tell the Landlord About Maintenance Issues

One of the advantages to renting is that the landlord is responsible for maintenance issues. If you have air conditioner breakdowns, toilet overflows, dishwasher or washer or dryer malfunctions, here's how to call your landlord.

Instructions

1. Let your landlord know about all maintenance issues, no matter how big or small. If you are living in an apartment, you can call the office and let them know what the problem is. They should send someone to fix your maintenance issue as soon as they can, depending on the problem. If you have water overflowing onto your floors, someone should be there immediately; however if a small non-emergency issue arises it will take more time, since they're handling the bigger emergency issues first.

2. Report problems directly to your landlord when you are living in a private home or a small apartment complex. Many small apartment areas don't have an office to which to report your maintenance issues, so you need to have the landlord's direct number to report all maintenance problems.

3. Write down everyday maintenance issues that don't require immediate attention and present the list to your landlord on a regular basis.

4. Wait an appropriate amount of time and if the maintenance person doesn't appear, call your request again. If it is the middle of the night and you have water overflowing from a sink or toilet, make sure you advise the person or machine that it is an emergency and you require immediate attention.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep a written copy of any maintenance issues you reported to your landlord for yourself.

• Most office complexes have maintenance people on call 24 hours a day, but they only respond to emergencies at night.