Common Maintenance Questions
- WHO REPLACES THE LIGHTBULBS?
Tenants are responsible for replacing light bulbs through the term of their lease. When replacing light bulbs make sure they are the proper wattage and type of bulb. All light bulbs must be in good working condition at move-out. Check out these links for step by step instructions!
Fluorescent Kitchen Light Bulbs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIXojfe4Xo4
Globe fixture Light Bulbs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH2_QXUKvSw&t=52s
Track Lighting Bulbs
- WHO REPLACES/CLEANS THE FILTERS?
Tenants are responsible for replacing filters in heating units. If a filter needs to be replaced make sure to use the proper type of filter. Microwave filters can be wiped off and rinsed in the sink.
Check out this link for step by step instructions!
- WHO REPLACES SMOKE DETECTOR/THERMOSTAT BATTERIES?
Tenants are responsible for replacing batteries in smoke detectors and thermostats. When replacing batteries make sure they are the proper battery size. You should test your smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries at least once per year. Smoke detectors will make a chirping noise when the battery needs changed. Newer smoke alarms might continue to chirp even after you change the batteries. This usually occurs in electrically powered smoke alarms with a battery backup. If this happens, you will need to press the reset button on the smoke alarm after you’ve changed the battery. If your smoke alarm is hard-wired, there may be an additional step if your smoke detector keeps chirping… you will need to press the reset button on every smoke alarm in your home in order to reset the system.
Check out these links for step by step instructions!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9iKopZ2NeU
- WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A CLOGGED TOILET?
Tenants are responsible for plunging clogged toilets. Every tenant should have a plunger, and preferably a plunger with a flange, as these work the best to unclog toilets. Flat plungers work better for drains and showers.
How to unclog a toilet – put the plunger in the toilet bowl and push down gently. The first push is merely to get rid of the air. If you push too forcefully, you could splash dirty water on yourself or the floor. Now that you have a good seal, forcefully pump the plunger up and down, maintaining the seal. Finally, pull the plunger up sharply, breaking the air seal. The water should rush down the drain. If it has not fixed the clog, repeat these steps until the clog has loosened. If there is a more serious maintenance issue tenants may submit a service request through their tenant portal for further investigation – tenant may be subject to maintenance charges. Check out this link for step by step instructions!
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- THIS LIGHT SWITCH DOES NOT TURN ANYTHING ON – WHAT IS IT FOR?
Some light switches are wired to power ½
of an electrical outlet. Tenants may plug in things like lamps which can then be turned on and off by a switch.
- MY POWER WENT OUT - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If only one item or a few things went out, check your electrical panel box to see if tripped a fuse. There may have been an overload. Resetting may be needed. Otherwise, contact your
Electric Company (MidAmerican Energy: 800-329-6261) because there may be power troubles in the surrounding neighborhood.
Check out this link for step by step instructions!
- MY FIREPLACE WON’T TURN OFF – WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Fireplaces may appear to be on because there is a pilot light that always remains ignited… this is completely normal and causes the fireplace to also feel warm to the touch.
- MY HEATER/AIRCONDITIONER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY – WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Make sure the thermostat
settings are set to ON – Fan: AUTO (Heat for winter) (Cool for summer). Do NOT drastically change temperature settings; this should be done gradually to ensure the furnace or air conditioner has recovery time and does not
overheat.
- MY GARBAGE DISPOSAL IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY – WHAT SHOULD I DO?
When tenants move into a unit they will find an allen wrench either in a drawer or under the sink in the kitchen. Beneath the garbage disposal there is a slot for the allen wrench to manually turn the garbage disposal. There is also a reset button at the bottom of the garbage disposal that can be pushed. Please make sure to try these methods prior to placing a maintenance
request through the tenant portal – may be subject to maintenance charges.
Check out this link for step by step instructions!
- MY WASHING MACHINE HAS A BAD SMELL – WHAT SHOULD I DO?
With washing machines (most commonly front
load washing machines) excess water/detergent may build up because when the machine is not allowed to dry out properly. To avoid this issue, always leave the washing machine door open slightly to air out between doing loads of laundry.
WE ALSO SUGGEST… We highly suggest that garment bags are used in the wash machines (necessity for front load machines) as often small items being forgotten from pockets and jewels/buttons from clothing will cause damage to the pump. Also remember to always remove lint from the dryer lint trap.
- MY CEILING FAN PULL IS NOT WORKING/HARD TO PULL – WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Sometimes the globe light cover may not be properly aligned on the fan. Twist the globe light cover slightly and pull gently on chains to turn the fan and light on manually. The fan is also wired to a light switch in the room.
- HOW TO PREVENT PLUMBING PROBLEMS
Keep drains flowing freely. DO NOT pour grease, oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, vegetable peels or other solids in the kitchen sink drain. In the bathroom, remove hair from the sink and
tub promptly so they're not washed down the drain. Sink and toilet clogs usually can be unstopped with a plunger. Fill the clogged vessel with water and then push the plunger straight down in a quick, firm motion. You may need to repeat several times before the clog is removed.
Check out this link for step by step instructions!
Plunging a kitchen sink
