Maintenance issues happen. Maybe you have a leaky faucet, a broken dishwasher, or an air conditioner that won’t cool. Knowing how to handle problems quickly and correctly can make life much easier… for you and your landlord. As a tenant in Central Florida, here are some key tips to manage maintenance issues to keep your home safe and any repairs stress-free.
Know Your Responsibilities
Here’s what you need to know about rental maintenance duties. Not sure whether you should complete specific rental maintenance? Start with your lease agreement. It should clearly spell out what maintenance is your responsibility versus your landlord’s or property management company’s. The lease should clear up any confusion and save time when something breaks.
Generally speaking, major systems like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical fall under the landlord’s duties. But you may be responsible for things like replacing light bulbs and air filters or addressing minor tenant maintenance issues.
Report Issues Promptly in Writing
Proper communication speeds up repairs and protects you. Have a maintenance issue? Even if you’re unsure who’s responsible for solving a problem, report it immediately by submitting a maintenance request through your landlord or property manager’s system. Using their preferred tracking system (like our Tenant Portal) ensures faster repairs and provides a written record of your request.
For after-hours emergencies, The Realty Medics’ tenants should call the 24/7 emergency line at 407-584-7186. Some examples of emergencies include water leaks, a lack of running water, a septic backup, or a roof leak.
Know Your Water Valve Locations
Speaking of water issues, knowing the locations of water valves is vital. For example, each sink and toilet should have a nearby shutoff valve. You’ll also want to know where the main water shutoff is for the home.
If water starts leaking, acting fast can prevent serious damage. Turning these off during a leak can also limit the mess while you wait for a repair— a crucial step in managing tenant maintenance issues involving water.
Document Damage with Photos or Video
Snap pictures or record a short video as soon as you notice damage. When you submit a maintenance request, attach the pictures or video. This helps protect you from liability and gives your property manager clear information on the problem.
Pro tip: Take before and after shots of the issue as further evidence.
Follow Up If You Don’t Hear Back
Most requests are resolved quickly. But if it’s been a few days with no update, follow up
professionally (and in writing) and keep copies of your communication.
Reminder: After you submit a work order, The Realty Medics will send troubleshooting instructions first. If a vendor is needed, repairs may require owner approval. Do not submit duplicate work orders; it won’t speed things up and can delay things.
DIY Simple Fixes, But Know When to Ask for Help
You can fix some minor issues yourself, like changing a lightbulb or plunging a slow drain. Just be safe and don’t do anything that could cause more damage.
For example, if your air conditioner isn’t cooling well, don’t try setting the thermostat lower or flipping it to “On.” This usually does not help and may cause further issues. Submit a work order and wait for guidance.
When in doubt about how to correct a problem or who’s responsible, report the issue instead of trying to DIY. Your property manager can walk you through simple fixes or escalate to bring in a professional for more complicated maintenance issues.
The Realty Medics has a full playlist of video tutorials on common Maintenance Troubleshooting solutions.
