What to Do if You Have a Maintenance Emergency: A Tenant's Guide
By RentMor & The MorGroup
A burst pipe, a broken heater in winter, or an electrical failure—maintenance emergencies are stressful, but knowing exactly what to do can protect your home, your lease, and your peace of mind. Here's how to handle emergency repairs efficiently and responsibly:
🔑 1. Report It in Writing — Immediately
Even if you call or text your landlord or property manager, always follow up in writing. This ensures there’s a documented timeline of your request and creates accountability for everyone involved.
📞 2. Stay in Communication
Emergencies don’t always get resolved instantly. While it’s reasonable to expect urgency, it’s also important to:
Respond quickly to updates from your landlord.
Confirm when someone is scheduled to arrive.
Please let them know if anything changes regarding the issue.
Tip: Staying responsive helps avoid delays in getting help to your unit.
🛠️ 3. Be Available for Vendors
When repairs are scheduled, it’s your responsibility to allow access to the unit during reasonable hours. If you can’t be present, coordinate with your landlord to obtain authorization for entry.
📝 4. Know What Qualifies as an Emergency
Here are some common emergencies:
No heat or A/C in extreme weather.
Electrical failures.
Active leaks or flooding.
Sewer backups.
No access to essential facilities (toilet, kitchen, etc.).
If you’re unsure, reach out to your property manager immediately. It’s better to over-report than to ignore something serious.
🏘️ Final Thoughts from RentMor & The MorGroup
Emergencies happen. But when they do, be the tenant who’s smart, fast, and covered. If you ever experience an emergency, don’t panic — document, communicate, and stay available.
Stay tuned for more expert tips from RentMor + The MorGroup — your go-to team for smarter, stress-free renting.