Blog Single

The purpose of this article is to define to Tenants and Landlords exactly what Rental Property Emergency Maintenance is.  When you own or manage a rental property, emergencies can strike at any time. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a faulty electrical system, or a broken heating unit, rental property emergency maintenance is a part of the job that every landlord or property manager must be prepared for. What makes these situations even more challenging is when they occur after regular business hours.  

What is an Emergency?

As a general rule, a maintenance emergency is something that requires immediate attention.  If the situation is left unresolved, the problem will worsen causing property damage and/or the problem is an immediate threat to ones health. Some examples of emergencies are as follows:

• Water related issues that may potentially damage the property
• Flooding
• Fire
• Broken Door or Lock You Cannot Secure.
• Gas Leak or Broken Gas Line
• Sewer Back-up and Flood
• Clogged toilet
• No Heat in Winter
• No Air Conditioning in Extreme Heat Conditions
• Sewage backups or leaks
• Plumbing
• Carbon Monoxide Detection
• HVAC problems

What is Not Considered a Maintenance Emergency?

Common issues that tenants are faced with that are not considered maintenance emergencies are as follows:

1. Burnt Out Lightbulbs or Fixture
2. Appliance Malfunction
3. No Hot Water
4. Ice Maker is Broken
5. No Air Conditioning (if the outside temperature is below 90 degrees)
6. No Heat (if the outside temperature is below 50 degrees)
7. Noise Complaints
8. Parking Disputes
9. Minor Leaks

Why After-Hours Rental Property Emergency Maintenance Matters

Rental property emergency maintenance is a crucial aspect of property management. It ensures that your tenants are safe, comfortable, and satisfied with their living conditions. However, our experience has shown us that problems often don’t occur during normal business hours.  They can happen in the middle of the night, on weekends, or during holidays. That’s where after-hours maintenance comes into play.

1. Tenant Safety and Satisfaction: Prompt response to after-hours emergencies demonstrates your commitment to tenant safety and satisfaction. If tenants feel that their concerns are addressed promptly, they are more likely to renew their leases and speak positively about your property management.

2. Mitigating Further Damage: Delaying repairs in emergency situations can lead to more extensive and expensive damage. Addressing the issue as soon as possible can minimize the overall cost and inconvenience for both you and your tenants.

3. Legal and Ethical Responsibility: Many rental agreements and local laws require landlords to provide timely maintenance and repairs. Failing to address after-hours emergencies can lead to legal and financial consequences.

Tips for Handling After-Hours Rental Property Emergency Maintenance

Now that we’ve established the importance of after-hours rental property emergency maintenance, let’s explore some practical tips for handling these situations effectively:

1. Establish an Emergency Protocol: Create a clear and well-documented emergency protocol that outlines how tenants should report emergencies, what constitutes an emergency, and how after-hours maintenance requests are handled. Provide this information to all tenants during the onboarding process and make it easily accessible.
2. Offer Multiple Contact Options: Ensure that tenants have multiple ways to contact you or your designated maintenance team in case of an emergency. This might include a dedicated emergency phone line, email, or a mobile app for maintenance requests.
3. Hire or Partner with After-Hours Maintenance Service: Depending on the size of your property portfolio, it may be beneficial to partner with an after-hours maintenance service or hire on-call maintenance personnel. This ensures that emergencies can be addressed promptly, even during non-business hours.
4. Have a List of Trusted Contractors: Maintain a list of trusted contractors who are available for after-hours emergencies. This includes plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and general maintenance personnel. Ensure they are licensed, insured, and have a good track record.
5. Inform Tenants of the Process: Ensure that your tenants are aware of the after-hours emergency maintenance process. Provide clear instructions on what they should do in an emergency situation and what to expect in terms of response time.

Conclusion

Are you looking for a qualified property management company in your local area? Superior West Property Management is the Inland Empire’s leading firm in both experience and customer service. We take pride in maximizing profits for our clients while balancing the needs and comfort of tenants. It all starts with a comprehensive property onboarding process followed by targeting marketing and a thorough tenant screening. Our experienced property managers handle every aspect of day-to-day operations and offer a 24/7/365 approach to rental property emergency maintenance. Call us today to find out what our professional property management services can do for you.