Maintenance Priority Guide

One-page quick reference guide to prioritizing maintenance requests and response times.

🔴 Emergency (Immediate Response)

Response Time: Within 2-4 hours

  • • No heat in winter / No AC in extreme heat
  • • Gas leaks or gas smell
  • • Burst pipes or major water leaks
  • • Electrical hazards or sparking
  • • Fire or smoke
  • • Broken locks (security issue)
  • • Sewer backup
  • • Structural damage (ceiling collapse, etc.)

🟠 Urgent (24-48 Hours)

Response Time: Within 24-48 hours

  • • No hot water
  • • Clogged toilet (only one in unit)
  • • Broken refrigerator
  • • Leaking roof
  • • Broken window (security/weather)
  • • Non-working stove/oven
  • • Electrical outlet not working

🟡 Normal (3-7 Days)

Response Time: Within 3-7 days

  • • Minor leaks (dripping faucets)
  • • Clogged drains (non-emergency)
  • • Broken appliances (non-essential)
  • • Squeaky doors or windows
  • • Minor repairs
  • • Cosmetic issues

🟢 Routine (1-2 Weeks)

Response Time: Within 1-2 weeks

  • • Painting touch-ups
  • • Landscaping
  • • Preventive maintenance
  • • Cosmetic improvements
  • • Non-urgent upgrades

💡 Tips

  • • Always respond to tenant requests promptly (even if scheduling later)
  • • Document all maintenance requests and responses
  • • Keep emergency vendor contacts readily available
  • • Set clear expectations with tenants about response times
  • • Prioritize habitability and safety issues