Whether you live in a single-family home, apartment building, or condo community, you may be faced with issues that need to be repaired at one point in your time there. If you are new to owning a home or living in an apartment community with a set of procedures for these issues, you may be left wondering whether you are facing an emergency repair or a problem that can be handled with a maintenance request. Below you can learn more about the differences between these two processes and what you should do if you are facing an issue that needs to be fixed in your home.
Are Emergency Repairs the Same as Maintenance Requests?
Simply put, emergency repairs are different from maintenance requests in the level of urgency needed to remedy the issue. There are a lot of factors that can affect whether your problem is an emergency repair or just simply needs maintenance, such as the season and outdoor temperatures. An emergency repair is an issue that needs to be fixed as soon as possible to minimize the risk of injury or property damage. Some common emergencies homeowners face are:
- Broken gas lines
- Fire or excessive smoke
- No heat during freezing temperatures
- No AC during excessive heat
- Flooding
- Sewage backup
A Broken AC Will Depend on Other Factors
If you are facing a broken AC or HVAC system in your Austin home, it may be considered an emergency repair if there are certain conditions or factors. Typically, if the AC in your home stops functioning and the temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, it is an emergency situation that will need prompt service. In certain scenarios, such as having children, elderly, or individuals with fragile health in your home, may warrant the need for emergency repairs. If you own a single-family home, the decision as to whether the issue is an emergency can be determined at your discretion. If you live in an apartment or community, contact your leasing office to report any problems.
How To Determine If Your Request Is An Emergency
If you are a homeowner that must determine whether your problem warrants an emergency repair on your own, try to use your clearest judgment when making a decision. First, you should assess whether there is any immediate damage to your home itself, the occupants, the property, or neighboring buildings. If your safety is at risk at any point, reach out for emergency help. For those who live in an apartment or condo, you can refer to your leasing documents for specifications on repairs. If you are faced with a serious emergency, never hesitate to contact 911.
First Steps You Should Take
Once you notice an issue in your home or with your HVAC system, you should first assess the situation for any safety risks. If there is no immediate threat to your home, yourself, or the property, you may not have to reach out for emergency help. Some common issues that can occur that do not warrant emergency services include:
- Getting locked out of your home
- Burnt out light bulbs
- Non-functioning stove or dishwasher
- Broken window or screen
- New hole in drywall
If you are faced with one of these issues, it can be stressful but typically emergency help is not needed. For those who reside in an apartment or community, be sure to submit a maintenance request with your leasing office as soon as possible. If you own your own home, you can search for a local company to come out and help with the issue.
Review Policies To Know Your Responsibilities
As stated previously, knowing your rights and responsibilities as a tenant can make facing issues and scheduling repairs easier than trying to handle it last minute. You want to be sure that you always follow the scheduled procedures at your apartment complex or living community to avoid any additional fees or interruptions with repairs. For homeowners, things can differ in the steps you can take for issues. You can reach out to a local company and schedule an appointment for repairs, though unless you live where there is an HOA, you are free to schedule repairs at your own discretion.
Be Sure To Report Issues Promptly
While all home issues can be stressful and may feel like they need to be rectified immediately, only certain problems will warrant emergency repair services. The best way to ensure your issues are fixed in a timely manner is to report them as soon as possible. Being proactive will ensure the problem does not get any worse and that you follow all the regulations of your lease.
If you are dealing with a broken HVAC system, reach out to the team of professionals at Austin AC. The summer temperatures in Austin can be excruciating and without a properly functioning AC system, meaning the temperature in your home can become uncomfortable quite quickly. Reporting repairs as soon as possible is the best way to have any problems with your HVAC or other home systems fixed quickly.