Beautiful Rentals, Incredible Service, The Wyoming Way

As a renter, you may encounter maintenance issues from time to time, whether it’s a leaky faucet, a broken appliance, or a heating issue. Knowing how to handle these problems efficiently and responsibly will help keep your home in good shape and maintain a positive relationship with your landlord. Here’s a guide to handling maintenance requests like a pro! 1. Know What You’re Responsible For Before requesting repairs, it’s important to understand which maintenance tasks are your responsibility and which fall under your landlord’s duties. Typically, landlords handle: ✅ Major plumbing or electrical issues ✅ Heating and air conditioning repairs ✅ Roof leaks and structural damage ✅ Broken appliances (if provided by the landlord) Tenants are usually responsible for: 🔧 Replacing light bulbs and air filters 🧼 Keeping the unit clean and preventing mold buildup 🚽 Unclogging minor drain issues (like a small hair clog) 💧 Preventing damage (e.g., reporting leaks before they worsen) Always review your lease agreement for specific maintenance responsibilities! 2. How to Submit a Maintenance Request If something breaks or stops working, follow these steps to report it properly: Step 1: Identify the Problem Be specific when describing the issue. Instead of saying “the sink is broken,” say “the kitchen sink is leaking underneath the cabinet”. If possible, troubleshoot minor problems before submitting a request (e.g., resetting a tripped breaker). Step 2: Contact Your Landlord or Property Manager Via Online Portal Create a new maintenance request in your online portal 📍 The exact location of the issue (e.g., "bathroom sink") 📷 Photos or videos (if applicable) 🕒 Preferred availability for a repair appointment 3. What to Do in an Emergency Some maintenance issues require immediate attention to prevent further damage. Here’s what to do in urgent situations: 🚰 Plumbing Emergency (Flooding, Burst Pipe, Major Leak) ✅ Shut off the water valve (if accessible). ✅ Place towels or buckets to contain water. ✅ Contact your landlord immediately on the emergency line. 🔥 No Heat in Winter ✅ Check the thermostat and replace batteries if needed. ✅ If the issue persists, report it right away—heat is a required utility in most areas. ⚠️ Electrical Issues (Power Outages, Exposed Wires, Sparks) ✅ Check if the issue is isolated to your unit or a full power outage. ✅ Reset the circuit breaker. ✅ If there are sparks, a burning smell, or exposed wires, contact your landlord immediately and avoid using electrical outlets. 🚪 Locked Out of Your Unit ✅ Check your lease—some landlords provide emergency lockout services. ✅ If not, you may need to call a locksmith at your own expense. 4. How to Prevent Maintenance Issues A little preventative care can help you avoid bigger repairs later! 🔹 Prevent drain clogs – Avoid pouring grease down the sink and use drain covers. 🔹 Test smoke detectors – Replace batteries as needed. 🔹 Keep an eye on leaks – Report minor drips before they turn into bigger plumbing issues. 🔹 Clean regularly – Dust buildup can affect appliances like air conditioners and vents. By taking good care of your rental unit and reporting problems promptly, you’ll keep your home comfortable and avoid unnecessary repair costs! Final Thoughts Handling maintenance issues properly ensures a safe and well-maintained living space. Always communicate clearly with your landlord, report issues as soon as possible, and follow up if necessary. By understanding your responsibilities and taking preventative measures, you’ll make your rental experience much smoother!