What Maintenance Issues Are Emergencies, and What Can Wait for Regular Business Hours?

Being a landlord means juggling a lot of responsibilities—property maintenance, tenant screenings, rent collection, and keeping up with legal and financial obligations. On top of that, staying on top of tenant needs and handling maintenance calls requires you to be available and proactive.

It’s a busy role that demands both attention and balance. With so much on your plate, your time is valuable, and the last thing you want is to spend your free time dealing with problems that could wait.

In this article, the property managers at California Realty Group help you determine whether a maintenance problem is an emergency or if it can wait for regular business hours. Keep reading to learn how to make the most of your time and resources!

Maintenance Issues That Can Wait to Be Addressed

While some property maintenance problems require immediate attention, others can be scheduled during normal business hours without risking tenant safety or significant property damage. Below is a list of non-urgent maintenance issues that can typically wait, along with brief explanations:

Dripping Faucet: A dripping faucet is more of an annoyance than a critical issue. It doesn’t affect the tenant’s ability to use water or pose any immediate risk to the property. Addressing it during regular business hours avoids costly after-hours repair fees.
Minor Leaks: If a small leak under a sink can be contained with a bucket and isn’t causing significant water damage, it can wait. Regular business hours allow time to assess the leak thoroughly and schedule repairs without paying emergency plumber fees.
Loose Cabinet Hinges or Handles: While loose cabinet hardware might be inconvenient for tenants, it’s not an urgent matter that affects their safety or the property’s functionality. These minor repairs can be handled during routine maintenance visits.
Non-Critical Appliance Malfunctions: If an appliance like a dishwasher or microwave stops working but isn’t essential to daily living, the issue can wait for normal repair schedules. However, essential appliances like a refrigerator or stove may require faster attention.
Running Toilets: A running toilet doesn’t typically cause immediate damage unless it’s overflowing. Since it only results in increased water usage, it can be addressed during normal hours without disrupting tenant life significantly.
Peeling Paint: Chipping paint is a cosmetic issue that doesn’t impact tenant safety or the structure’s integrity. Repairs can be scheduled during planned property improvements or routine maintenance checks.
Slow Draining in Sinks or Showers: Unless a drain is fully clogged and causing water backup, slow drainage doesn’t have to be addressed immediately. Tenants can often use other fixtures until a plumber can resolve the issue during regular business hours.
Drafty Windows or Doors: Drafts are uncomfortable but rarely constitute an emergency. Weatherstripping or repairs can wait until normal business hours, especially if tenants have alternative means of heating or cooling.
Minor Wall Cracks: Small cracks in walls or ceilings are often merely cosmetic. These can be addressed when scheduling cosmetic touch-ups.
Flickering or Non-Essential Light Fixtures: Flickering lights or issues with non-essential fixtures, such as decorative lighting, don’t require emergency attention. Tenants can use other light sources until the repair is completed.

Maintenance Issues That Are Always an Emergency

Certain maintenance problems must be addressed immediately to prevent property damage, maintain tenant safety, or comply with legal obligations. Here’s a list of maintenance issues that require quick action:

Burst Pipes and Major Water Leaks: A burst pipe or a major water leak can cause extensive property damage and lead to mold growth if not addressed quickly. Immediate action is essential to minimize water waste, prevent structural and cosmetic damages, and ensure tenants have access to functioning plumbing.
Gas Leaks: Gas leaks are extremely dangerous due to the increased risk of explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. If tenants suspect there’s a gas leak on your property, they must evacuate the premises and call the gas company immediately.
Electrical Outages and Malfunctions: While minor electrical issues can wait, problems like exposed wiring, burning smells, or power surges require immediate attention to prevent fires or injuries.
Sewage Backups: A sewage backup is not only unsanitary but also a huge health hazard. This problem must be addressed urgently to restore proper sanitation.
Flooding: Flooding can cause significant property damage and create unsafe living conditions. Immediate intervention is necessary to remove water and mitigate long-term damage.
Broken Locks or Doors: A broken lock or damaged door compromises your tenants’ safety, leaving them and their belongings vulnerable to theft or harm. Repairs should be made immediately to ensure tenant safety.
Lack of Running Water: Not having access to running water can significantly disrupt your tenants’ lives. This issue is critical and must be addressed as soon as possible.
Fire or Smoke Damage: After a fire, no matter how small, emergency repairs are necessary to assess structural damage, remove debris, and restore the property to a safe and livable condition.
HVAC Failures: Air conditioning breaking down during a heatwave or heating failure during extreme cold poses potential health risks to your tenants. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to keeping your tenants safe and happy.

Bottom Line

Emergency maintenance issues can jeopardize your tenants’ safety, cause severe property damage, and violate habitability laws if not addressed promptly. As a landlord, you must have a plan in place to handle these situations efficiently.

Moreover, you must know how to distinguish between emergencies and non-urgent issues so that you can allocate your time and resources more effectively. A property manager can be invaluable in streamlining maintenance issues, whether they’re emergencies or not, ensuring that your rental property stays in excellent condition at all times.

If you’re looking for a seasoned property management company in Temecula and the surrounding areas, contact California Realty Group! By partnering with independent contractors and vendors, we ensure that any maintenance issues are addressed in a timely and cost-effective manner.