Tenant’s Guide for Emergency Maintenance

Most times, rental property emergency maintenance falls to the landlord. After all, the house does technically belong to them. However, it’s impractical to make owners shoulder the responsibility for caring for a rental property, especially in an emergency.

Hence, this article is a complete tenant’s guide for emergency maintenance. We’ll highlight what the term means, the importance of being proactive, and the benefits of renters insurance. So if you’re a tenant looking for how to handle after-hour issues, stick around till the end.

What is Considered Emergency Maintenance

Emergency maintenance is any repair addressing a serious issue threatening lives or the property. For example, a fire outbreak can be deadly due to heavy fumes and open flames. Emergency response to that scenario would include evacuating the residents, calling 911 or the fire department, and using a fire extinguisher.

Examples of what landlords and tenants would require emergency maintenance include:

• A Fire Outbreak
• A Broken Gas Line
• Flooding
• A Broken Lock
• A Faulty Thermostat
• A Sewer Back-up

Importance of Proactive Maintenance and Timely Recording

Proactive maintenance is the steps you take to avoid an emergency. For example, in the scenario we mentioned above, preemptive measures include incorporating life-saving electrical tips, creating a fire escape plan, and maintaining the fire alarms.

Timely recording involves noting appropriate times, dates, and facts of a potential or active crisis. It could also include collecting and storing photos and videos. Both practices are essential for the following reasons:

●    To Avoid a Crisis

The most apparent advantage of proactive maintenance is that it helps you avoid a crisis. When you actively take steps to prevent unpleasant scenarios, it can save you a lot of money and stress in the future. However, emergency repairs can be costly, and if you’re responsible, the fees can drain your wallet. Thus, it would be better to avoid such complications altogether.

●    To Back up Your Claim

It’s standard practice for landlords to request that tenants pay a security deposit before moving into the apartment. This fee acts as a reserve from which landlords can withdraw funds to cover tenant damages. At the end of the lease, the renter is entitled to receive the balance. However, this policy is often a source of dispute between landlords and tenants. That’s why you should record maintenance developments. For instance, if the water line is already broken when you move in, you can take time-stamped photos or recordings for your landlord. Doing so makes it easier to identify whether you’re at fault and if the repair costs should come from your security deposit.

●    To Save Money

Proactive maintenance can help you nip issues in the bud before they become a significant threat. For example, frequently checking your fire alarms and replacing the batteries reduces the chances of a fire outbreak. Besides threatening the occupants’ health and safety, open flames can significantly damage your furniture and the property. Thus, proactive steps taken to avoid such a scenario can save both parties money in the long run.

●    To Improve Livability

An excellent benefit of proactive maintenance is that it improves the livability conditions of your rental. Conversely, neglected problems can significantly reduce the comfort and aesthetics of your house. An excellent example of an emergency that distorts livability is a sewage backup, which is unpleasant and threatens everyone’s health. Hence, if you notice your pipes making strange noises, or your sinks backing up, you should contact your landlord immediately. Also, don’t forget to document evidence that can help you. This tip should also apply to other emergencies.

●    To Claim Insurance

Besides backing up your claim to your landlord, you might also need proof from your insurance company. Many providers often ask claimants to present evidence to back their stories. Having multiple documents, photos, or videos that correlate with your story makes it easier to process your request and get you the compensation you deserve.

Importance of Renters Insurance

A renter’s insurance is a policy that offers you coverage in the event of a loss. Some tenants might not see the point of buying renter’s insurance, especially when the house already has coverage. However, the one your landlord pays typically covers the property itself. In other words, if there were damage from a flood, the insurance company would cover the cost of furniture, but not your belongings. Hence, paying a small monthly premium to protect your items would be best.

●    It Covers Your Property

As we highlighted earlier, renter’s insurance covers personal belongings from losses due to fire, theft, flood, and other perils. It helps to have something you can rely on since damage from these elements is often unexpected. It would help to ask your provider for a list of specific conditions they cover. For instance, some policies offer coverage for your items while you travel.

●    It Might be Mandatory

It might be mandatory for you to get renters’ insurance if your landlord says so. However, property owners reserve the right to ask their tenants to get a policy as a prerequisite to signing a lease. More landlords are beginning to adopt this requirement when considering the advantages of coverage offers. Some even receive it as an order from their insurance company.

●    It Can Cover Liability

Some renters’ insurance policies even extend to liability coverage. In other words, if you’re responsible for any damage or injury on the property, your provider can pay for it. It can even cover your legal fee and other medical bills to some extent.

●    It Can Cover Additional Living Expenses

Another form of liability your insurance can cover is additional living expenses. Although this option is limited to people with higher premium fees, it can be a lifesaver if you lose your job. In such a scenario, you can use the insurance payout to cover late rent, food, and clothing.

Conclusion

That’s our comprehensive tenant’s guide for emergency maintenance. When it comes to rental properties, renters also have to play a proactive role in their care. Additionally, you can also get renters insurance to cover yourself against damage and injury on your property. Ensure that you fully understand the policy before signing the contract, and consult your landlord or property manager if necessary.