As a tenant, it's essential to understand what counts as an emergency and what should be reported as regular maintenance. Knowing the difference can help you get the help you need quickly and ensure that you're not paying for unnecessary repairs. Let’s go over some examples of what counts as an emergency and what should be reported as a maintenance request through your tenant portal.
Emergencies
Emergencies are situations that require immediate attention to prevent further damage or injury. Examples of emergencies include:
1. Gas leaks
If you smell gas, leave the property immediately and call your gas company or the fire department. Do not turn on any lights or appliances, as even a small spark can ignite the gas.
2. Water leaks or flooding
If you have a burst pipe or a severe water leak that is causing flooding, turn off the water supply to your home and call your landlord or property manager immediately.
3. No heat in cold weather
If you're experiencing a heating emergency during the winter months, contact your landlord or property manager right away. Turn on a faucet on a continuous slow drip to avoid freezing the pipes in your home.
4. No electricity
If you have no power, first check with your utility company to see if there's a widespread outage in your area. If not, check your circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure that the problem isn't something you can fix yourself. If you still have no power, contact your landlord or property manager immediately.