Property managers are generally mindful that they have to respond quickly when a resident calls with an emergency maintenance request. Yet, which maintenance requests are emergencies that demand immediate attention and which are not as vital? This is among the more problematic scenarios that property owners experience, as certain issues, even if they bring uneasiness or tiresomeness, are not true emergencies. On the contrary, other maintenance issues are sufficiently hazardous to be addressed immediately or risk violating Landlord/Tenant laws or habitability codes. Knowing the distinction between the two can help you appropriately 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 is to evaluate to what degree the maintenance issue could cause injury, severe property damage, or jeopardize your resident’s health and safety. Any issue that would fit these criteria would usually be considered an emergency. Typical emergencies involve:
- 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
You must comprehend that certain maintenance items may be emergencies under one set of situations but not another. For example, a broken air conditioner is not an emergency when the weather is chilly. But it definitely is amidst hot weather where temperatures reach dangerous levels.
Failure to respond immediately to emergencies like these – including those that transpire during sleeping hours – could violate habitability laws and, in due course, generate serious legal trouble. This is particularly the case if your lack of attention prompts your tenant to take matters into their own hands and conduct or make the repairs themselves.
Non-Emergency Maintenance Types
On the other hand, other maintenance issues that, even though annoying, are typically not considered as emergencies unless there are extenuating circumstances. For illustration, a malfunctioning appliance, icy water, or minor water leaks may be troublesome for your residents but typically do not fall under the category of an emergency repair. These maintenance issues must be reported as regular maintenance requests, which can be addressed during business hours.
For rental property owners, understanding what constitutes an emergency maintenance issue and how to respond appropriately plays an important role in great property management. If you’re unable to manage these requests punctually or have other commitments, it may be great to think about hiring a quality property management company that operates in the Troutdale area and neighboring areas. Contact us online or call 971-229-4555 for more data about what Real Property Management Expand gives for rental property owners like you.
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