When To Call Maintenance In Your Westfield Apartment

Sure, big concerns, like HVAC and water leaks, need to be reported, but what about those minor annoyances? Do you also call in lighting outages or carpet damage? At what point should you repair issues yourself? 

Contact Maintenance For Your Westfield Apartment When Faced With These Problems

If you find a significant issue – especially one that's structural -- it's usually covered as part of your tenant agreement. Here are the most frequently seen difficulties a renter might encounter:

• Water damage and leaks: If you discover water entering from the floor above you or you encounter a toilet overflow or faulty appliance that causes water damage in your apartment, notify maintenance promptly.

• Heating and cooling problems: If your AC no longer cools, or your furnace stops heating, it’s time to make the call. Even when it’s nice out, your HVAC should still work correctly.

• Toilets, Sinks, and Showers: When the toilet is clogged, try to plunge it yourself first. If you have no luck, contact maintenance. You should also get assistance for sink or shower drips.

• Insects and unwanted guests: Some pests can get into your apartment by attaching to your your shoes or your pet. But if you notice any troublesome critters -- like cockroaches, mice, or ants – it’s likely time for your maintenance staff to contact an exterminator.

• Broken appliances: If your fridge no longer cools or your stove no longer heats, it's time to call maintenance. Appliances that are part of the apartment are usually covered, but smaller appliances you brought in – a microwave, toaster oven, mini fridge – is up to you to repair or replace.

• Faulty doors or windows: Your entry and sliding patio doors must lock and close appropriately. If water infiltration or damage from misuse keeps them from closing easily, they need to be replaced for safety reasons. The same goes for windows.

• Drywall, flooring, and other issues: If you find damage to a wall or a potentially dangerous flooring concern, call maintenance for a repair. Fraying or torn carpet might require replacement, particularly if a tack is exposed.

• Light bulbs: When light bulbs fail, they could easily be replaced at your leisure. But keep in mind, if your light fixture seems to churn through bulbs, you might ask maintenance to find out if you have an electrical issue. Make sure to inquire if maintenance supplies light bulbs in the event they need to be replaced as specific types are sometimes used.

• Clogged pipes and toilets: If the toilet stops flushing properly, use a plunger first. It’s also smart to have some drain cleaner to clear the hair from the pipe. If you need a drain snake, touch base with maintenance to stay away from damaging the pipes.

• Air filters: Unless noted in your contract, you're responsible for replacing the HVAC air filter. Not switching it out will restrict airflow and impact your apartment’s comfort. If you no longer see light through the filter, it's time for a change. The maintenance staff may provide or change filters for you, so check with them first.

• Cleaning: Unfortunately, cleaning your Westfield apartment is your responsibility. Keep in mind you should clean your interior rooms and outdoor patio or balcony areas.