When to DIY — and When to Call Maintenance

One of the most common questions we get from residents is some version of: "Should I fix this myself, or submit a maintenance request?" It's a fair question — nobody wants to bother the maintenance team over a squeaky hinge, but nobody wants to make a small problem worse by attempting a repair that's beyond their wheelhouse.

Here's a clear breakdown of what you can handle yourself, what warrants a standard maintenance request, and what counts as an emergency requiring immediate action.

Handle It Yourself

These are common, low-risk situations where a simple fix is well within most residents' capabilities and won't risk damaging the unit or voiding any warranties.

• Tripped circuit breaker. If an outlet or light suddenly stops working, check the breaker panel first. Find the switch that's flipped to the middle "off" position, flip it fully off, then back on. If it trips again immediately, stop and submit a maintenance request — there's an underlying electrical issue.
• Replacing a light bulb. Swap it out and recycle the old one properly. Make sure the replacement matches the wattage rating labeled inside the fixture.
• Replacing smoke or CO detector batteries. These should be tested monthly and batteries replaced at least once a year. If the unit itself is old or malfunctioning, submit a request and we'll replace the whole unit.
• Unclogging a hair-clogged drain. Pull out the drain stopper, remove hair buildup manually with gloves, or use a drain snake for a basic clog. Avoid chemical drain cleaners (more on that below).
• Tightening a loose doorknob or cabinet hinge. A screwdriver is all you need for most of these.
• Replacing a shower head. Most unscrew easily by hand. Wrap the threads with plumber's tape before attaching the new one.
• Pest prevention basics. Seal food in airtight containers, wipe up crumbs, and don't leave dirty dishes overnight. These habits prevent issues before they start. If you're seeing regular pest activity despite good habits, submit a request.

Submit a Standard Maintenance Request

These issues need professional attention but aren't emergencies. Use the Resident Portal to submit a request and we'll schedule a repair promptly.

• Dripping or leaking faucets or pipes (even slow drips waste thousands of gallons)
• Running toilets that won't stop after jiggling the handle
• Appliance malfunctions (refrigerator not cooling, dishwasher not draining, oven not heating)
• HVAC not heating or cooling effectively
• Mold or mildew spots on walls, ceilings, or around windows
• Cracked or broken window glass
• Pest activity beyond what prevention habits can address
• Clogged drains that don't clear with basic plunging
• Door or window that won't lock or latch properly

Emergency Situations — Act Immediately

These require urgent action. For true emergencies, call us directly rather than waiting for a portal response.

A Few Things to Avoid

Some well-intentioned DIY attempts create bigger problems than the original issue. Please avoid these:

• Chemical drain cleaners (Drano, Liquid-Plumr, etc.) — These are highly caustic and can damage older pipes and plumbing seals. They're also dangerous if they splash back. Use a plunger or drain snake instead, and submit a request if that doesn't work.
• Patching walls, painting, or drilling large holes without checking your lease — modifications beyond small picture nails require written approval and must be restored at move-out.
• Attempting electrical repairs beyond resetting a breaker — wiring should always be handled by a licensed electrician.
• Turning off the main water supply for a whole building — individual unit shutoffs are fine; the main shutoff affects all residents.

We want your home to be comfortable, safe, and well-maintained. Submitting a request is never a burden — it's exactly what we're here for. If you're ever unsure, err on the side of submitting the ticket and letting us make the call.