Most property managers are aware they have to answer right away when a resident calls with an emergency maintenance request. But which maintenance requests are emergencies that necessitate immediate attention, and which are less serious? This is one of the most difficult questions that property owners deal with since some problems, even those that bring uneasiness or inconvenience, are not true emergencies. On the contrary, other maintenance issues are significant enough to be addressed immediately or risk violating Landlord/Tenant laws or habitability codes. Grasping the difference between the two will enable you to boldly handle all your renter’s maintenance requests.
What defines an emergency repair?
One way to know when you have a true emergency on your hands or not is to consider to what degree the maintenance issue could cause injury, severe property damage, or endanger your resident’s health and safety. Any issue that would fit this classification would usually be considered an emergency. Typical emergencies include:
- Gas Leak
- Frozen or Broken Water Lines
- Flooding or Water Emergencies
- Fire
- Carbon Monoxide Detection
- Sewer Back-up
- No Heat in Cold Weather
- No Air Conditioning in Extremely Hot Temperatures
- Extended Power Outage
- Intruder Break-In
Determining an Emergency from Non-Emergency
It is critical to realize that certain maintenance items may be emergencies under one set of conditions but not another. Let’s say, a broken air conditioner is not an emergency during cool weather. But it absolutely is amidst a heatwave where temperatures reach dangerous levels.
Ignoring responding immediately to emergencies like these – involving those that arise in the middle of the night – could violate habitability laws and, sooner or later, generate serious legal trouble. This is particularly relevant if your inaction prompts your tenant to take matters into their own hands and manage or make the repairs themselves.
Non-Emergency Maintenance Types
In contrast, other maintenance issues that, although disruptive, are not usually regarded emergencies unless there are extenuating circumstances. For example, a malfunctioning appliance, lack of hot water, or small leaks may be troublesome for your residents but typically do not fall under the category of an emergency repair. These maintenance issues should be reported as regular maintenance requests, which you can take care of during business hours.
For rental property owners, recognizing what constitutes an emergency maintenance issue and how to respond appropriately is an important aspect of efficient property management. If you cannot answer such calls fast or have other obligations on your time, it might be a perfect chance to hire a quality property management company servicing the Hudson area and adjoining area. Contact us online or call 727-279-7779 to learn more about what Real Property Management Connection offers rental property owners like you.
Originally Published on July 2, 2021
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.