What counts as a maintenance emergency? Many of our tenants ask this as one of their most common questions. To some, that might mean Netflix being unavailable or WiFi going slow. Jokes aside, there are certain issues that necessitate calling your landlord and asking for immediate repairs. Generally, true maintenance emergencies are those that pose immediate risks to health, safety, or significant property damage.
At Zenith Properties, we understand concerns around maintenance emergencies and who takes responsibility for them. We’re here to guide you through what is considered an emergency maintenance request and how to handle these situations effectively.
If you are currently experiencing one of these, please call our emergency line at (866) 226-3808 right away.
What Counts as Emergency Maintenance? (5 Common Situations)
When your health or safety is at risk, or significant damage is being done to the property, there needs to be an emergency maintenance. This includes situations like a flooded bathroom or coming home or your front door not locking. Here are some other common maintenance emergencies:
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No Heat Inside
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A broken heater is certainly cause for an emergency, especially in the winter. Generally, anything under 50 degrees outside would constitute as urgent. This applies to mechanical malfunctions, though, not to failing to pay gas or electric bills.
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No Air Conditioning
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Similar to a broken heater, this is largely dependent on what’s going on outside. Given that summers here in Vancouver can get to 100 degrees on certain days, a broken A/C on one of these days certainly warrants a call for repairs. And generally, any temperature over 90 should prompt a call. In the meantime, grab a fan and get those windows open!
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Power Outage
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Whether it’s inside your place or outside as well, total electrical failure is a reason to contact your maintenance team.
However, make sure to do a few things first: reset the circuit breakers or GFI breakers on the outlets, and check any fuses that might’ve blown out. Trying these will sort out if the issue is a minor or major one.
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Smelling Gas
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If you catch any scent whatsoever of a gas leak, you need to call maintenance immediately. And do this from outside the rental!. You’ll know its presence by the strong scent of rotten eggs. Natural gas is a huge hazard – inhaling it can be poisonous, and it’s also easily ignited.
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Plumbing Issues and Floods
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Here’s the general rule: if your leak can be contained in a bucket, then it is not necessarily an emergency. If water is flowing into your space, though, then this is certainly an emergency. In any case, turn the water valve off to make sure no further flooding ensues.
Tenant vs Landlord Responsibilities During a Maintenance Emergency
When faced with a sudden maintenance issue, you may wonder: “Is this my responsibility or the landlord’s?” Typically, responsibilities are divided as follows:
Landlord responsibilities:
- Addressing issues that affect the property’s habitability
- Repairing major systems (plumbing, electrical, heating)
- Ensuring the property meets all health and safety codes
Tenant responsibilities:
- Reporting emergencies promptly
- Taking reasonable steps to prevent further damage
- Allowing access for repairs
Don’t Be Afraid to Call Zenith Properties
As property managers, it’s our top concern to keep you comfortable and safe as a tenant. We try to get to repairs as fast as possible – this list, however, are the situations that are moved to the very top of the list.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re facing a potential maintenance emergency. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. At Zenith Properties, we’re committed to prompt, professional handling of all maintenance emergencies. Our experienced team is ready to address your concerns, even after hours, so you feel safe and comfortable in your home. We’ll assess the situation quickly and dispatch appropriate help, then coordinate with trusted contractors for swift repairs.
If you are a tenant experiencing maintenance issues, please fill out a maintenance request form here.
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What Is Considered a Maintenance Emergency ?
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