maintenance frequently asked questions / troubleshooting
1. How do I contact Landlord's maintenance
staff?
2. Will I be charged for my maintenance request?
3. What do I do about a slow/clogged drain line or a clogged
toilet?
4. What do I do if my disposal is not working?
5. What do I do if my apartment is
without power?
6. What do I do if my heat is not working?
7. What do I do if my air conditioner is not working?
8. Where is my breaker box located, and how do I reset my
breakers?
9. What do I do if I'm having trouble with my phone service
?
10. How do I prevent mold?
11. How do I prevent and/or remove pests?
12. How do I test my smoke detector?
13. Am I responsible for changing light bulbs & batteries?
14. Am I responsible for damage to windows, screens, and/or
doors?
15. What cleaning products are recommended?
16. Am I allowed to make alterations to my apartment?
17. Can I arrange to have my carpet shampooed?
18. Can I have my locks changed?
19. What do I do if I am locked out of my apartment?
20. Who is responsible for snow removal?
1. How do I contact Landlord's maintenance staff?
Call (319) 354-4488. Landlord's maintenance staff is available for both routine and emergency maintenance during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, and also available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week for emergency maintenance requests.
If a Hawkeye Real Estate Investment Company employee is not available to answer the phone, you must select Option #3 to be transferred into voicemail after several rings.
To leave an emergency maintenance message:
- Call (319) 354-4488.
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Press "3" for the maintenance voicemail menu
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Press "1" to be transferred to the emergency maintenance voicemail box.
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On the message, leave your full name, full address including apartment number, a phone number where you can be reached, and a brief description of the problem.
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As soon as you hang up, our on-call maintenance staff will be paged and will respond to your call as quickly as possible, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.
To leave a routine maintenance message:
- Call (319) 354-4488.
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Press "3" for the maintenance voicemail menu
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Press "2" to be transferred to the routine maintenance voicemail box.
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On the message, leave your full name, full address including apartment number, a daytime phone number where you can be reached, and a brief description of the problem.
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Maintenance will only respond to maintenance requests submitted by registered occupants of the apartment.
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Maintenance will receive your message the following business day and will respond as quickly as possible.
2. Will I be charged for my maintenance request?
It depends on the situation. Generally our maintenance staff provides many services at no charge to the Tenant. However, our Lease explains that under certain circumstances a Tenant may be held responsible for damages or repairs to their rental unit. Once a Tenant takes possession of the apartment, the Landlord no longer retains control over the rental unit, and the Tenant becomes responsible for any damages, or repairs that occur due to Tenant negligence.
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In the event that Tenant fails to resolve any sanitation violation, Tenant may be billed for Landlord's cost to correct the violation, in addition to a possible legal action and/or fines allowed by the Lease.
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If you are held responsible for the cost of any maintenance repairs or service calls, you will be billed for the charge and expected to pay the full amount within thirty (30) days of the billing date.
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When you are initially billed a brief explanation of the charge will be attached to the statement. If you have additional questions about a charge, please contact Landlord's rental office.
3. What do I do about a slow/clogged drain line or a clogged toilet?
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Use a plunger on the drain line. Plungers can be purchased at any hardware store, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.
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Pour "Drain-Out" drain clearing crystals into the drain line. DO NOT USE IN TOILETS. Drain Out crystals can be purchased at any hardware store. Follow the directions on the package.
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Liquid drain clearing substances are not recommended. Crystals generally work better and once liquids are used, crystals cannot be used due to the adverse chemical reaction.
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If a clogged drain caused water to overflow, you will need to quickly mop up all excess water to avoid possible water damage to flooring, or to any apartments below your apartment.
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If all else fails you should contact Landlord's maintenance staff, although this may incur a service charge.
4. What do I do if my disposal is not working?
If the disposal is making a humming noise or won't turn on:
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Turn the disposal switch off.
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Attempt to turn the disposal manually by cranking it around with a 1/4 inch Allen Wrench (also called a Hex Wrench). If you have any questions about this process, please contact Landlord's maintenance staff.
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If the Allen Wrench does not turn the disposal freely, it is probably jammed. Make sure all power to the disposal is turned off and attempt to free the jammed object.
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If the Allen Wrench turns the disposal freely, it is probably not jammed and just needs to have power restored.
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If all else fails you should contact Landlord's maintenance staff, although this may incur a service charge.
To restore power to the disposal:
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Press the red "RESET" button on the bottom of the disposal.
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If all else fails you should contact Landlord's maintenance staff, although this may incur a service charge.
5. What do I do if my apartment is without power?
No power in the entire apartment:
- See if power is off in the entire building and/or in neighboring buildings.
- Contact your electric provider:
MidAmerican Energy: (888) 427-5632
Alliant Energy: (800) 822-4348
- If the power outage is specific to the apartment or just your building contact Landlord's maintenance staff. Otherwise, the power outage is likely part of a larger widespread problem, and should be addressed by your electric provider.
No power to specific areas of the apartment:
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Check for possible problems with the equipment that is being plugged into the outlet. Test other equipment on the outlet to determine if it's a problem with the equipment or the outlet. Poorly wired lamps and other electric devices have been known to short circuit the outlet.
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If the electric outlet has a "RESET" button press the "RESET" button (usually kitchen & bathroom electric outlets).
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Try to determine if the outlet is a "switched outlet". A switched outlet is an outlet that only works if the light switch in the room is turned on.
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If a lamp or other lighting fixture isn't working, please check that the light bulb is not burned out.
6. What do I do if my heat is not working?
Furnace Heat:
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A temperature of 72° Fahrenheit or higher during severe cold weather is considered acceptable, and will not require maintenance.
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If the temperature in your apartment is within a couple degrees of the thermostat setting, there is nothing wrong with the heat.
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Make sure the thermostat is turned to heat/auto.
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Make sure you can hear the furnace running.
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Make sure furniture items are not blocking vent openings.
Boiler Heat:
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A temperature of 72° Fahrenheit or higher during severe cold weather is considered acceptable, and will not require maintenance.
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If the temperature in your apartment is within a couple degrees of the thermostat setting, there is nothing wrong with the heat.
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Boiler heat will only turn on if the outside temperature is below 70° Fahrenheit .
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Boiler heat may take an hour or two to reach the desired temperature.
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Make sure thermostat is turned up.
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Make sure the heat registers are open, and not blocked by furniture items.
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Check to see if the registers feel warm.
7. What do I do if my air conditioner is not working?
Central Air:
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If the temperature in your apartment is within a couple degrees of the thermostat setting, there is nothing wrong with the air conditioning.
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Air conditioning repairs are not considered an emergency unless prior documentation of a medical condition exists that requires an exception. Unlike heating, air conditioning is considered a luxury and any necessary repairs will be addressed during normal business hours, subject to the schedule of a certified technician.
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Make sure the thermostat is turned to "Cool/Auto".
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Make sure you can hear the air conditioner running.
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Make sure furniture items are not blocking vent openings.
8. Where is my breaker box located, and how do I reset my breakers?
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A breaker box is a gray, metal box set into a wall somewhere in the apartment.
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The location of the breaker box may vary, but it is usually located in a bedroom closet, coat closet, furnace closet, or behind one of the bedroom doors.
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Once you have located the breaker box, open the door to get to the breaker switches.
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Breaker switches are not always accurately labeled, so it is best to complete the following steps:
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Make sure any computers in the apartment are shut down.
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Turn all of the switches in the breaker box to the "Off" position.
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Wait 5-10 seconds.
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Turn all switches in the breaker box back to the on position. This should restore power to the affected areas of your apartment.
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9. What do I do if I'm having trouble with my phone service ?
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Test other phones on the outlet to make sure it is not a problem with your equipment.
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Unplug any computer modems and/or fax machines and try the phone line again.
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Call your telephone service provider. They should be able to determine if the problem is on their end of the phone line or the Landlord's end of the phone line.
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Do not have your telephone service provider repair the problem if it is on the Landlord's end of the phone line. The Landlord will not reimburse the Tenant for the cost of repair if the Tenant's telephone service provider does the work.
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If your telephone service provider determines that the problem is on the Landlord's end of the phone line, contact Landlord's maintenance staff.
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Always bathe with the vent fan ON!
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Keep as much moisture off of the walls as possible.
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If you have mold, take immediate action to remove it!
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To remove mold, scrub with a mixture of water and bleach.
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If all else fails you should contact Landlord's maintenance staff, although this may incur a service charge.
11. How do I prevent and/or remove pests?
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To prevent pests, keep entry doors closed as much as possible and keep screens on all windows. Pests are drawn to food sources, so keep food and debris picked up.
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To remove pests, use over-the-counter pest control substances. These can be purchased at any hardware store, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.
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If all else fails you should contact Landlord's maintenance staff, although this may incur a service charge.
12. How do I test my smoke detector?
Testing:
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Smoke detectors should be tested regularly!
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Press the small "TEST" button on the smoke detector.
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If the detector chirps when the "TEST" button is pressed, it is working.
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There is also a green light on most detectors. If it is lit, the smoke detector is working.
Chirping Noises:
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If the smoke detector is making regular chirping noises, the battery is low and will need to be replaced immediately.
Replacing Batteries:
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Take the smoke detector down from the ceiling.
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Replace the 9-Volt Battery.
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Hook the smoke detector back up on the ceiling.
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Press the "TEST" button to make sure the new battery works properly.
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In the interest of safety, if a smoke detector is on a vaulted ceiling, or if you are physically unable to safely reach one or more of your smoke detectors, please contact Landlord's maintenance staff. Our staff will gladly install a new battery, which you must provide, the next time we are in the apartment complex.
13. Am I responsible for changing light bulbs & batteries?
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Tenants are responsible for replacing all light bulbs throughout the rental unit.
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Generally, most lighting fixtures require a 60-Watt light bulb, although some fixtures require fluorescent light bulbs, or designer light bulbs.
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Tenants are also responsible for battery replacement throughout the rental unit.
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Smoke detectors, garage remotes, and garage keypad battery replacement is the responsibility of the Tenant.
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In the interest of safety, if a light fixture, smoke and/or carbon monoxide detector is on a vaulted ceiling, or if you are physically unable to safely reach these fixtures and/or devices, please contact Landlord's maintenance staff. Our staff will gladly install a new light bulb or battery, which you must provide, the next time we are in the apartment complex.
14. Am I responsible for damage to windows, screens, and/or doors?
Generally, Tenants are responsible for the following for any reason whatsoever:
- Broken, or missing windows
- Torn, damaged or missing window screens
- Damaged entry doors
- Damaged screen doors, including door closers
- Damaged garage doors
Most renters insurance policies will cover most of the above damages after the deductible has been paid. This is especially important if significant damage is caused by acts of vandalism or theft.
15. What cleaning products are recommended?
Recommended:
Carpets- |
Resolve |
Dishwashers- |
Cascade / Jet Dry |
Ovens- |
Easy Off |
Tubs/Sinks- |
CLR |
Smooth-top stoves- |
Cerama-Bryte |
Not Recommended:
Carpets- |
Bleach, or products containing bleach |
Dishwashers- |
Any regular dish soap |
Range Hoods- |
Easy Off (it will ruin the paint) |
Wood/Painted Surfaces |
CLR |
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16. Am I allowed to make alterations to my apartment?
Not without prior written permission from the Landlord, which may be withheld depending on the type of alteration requested? Please contact Landlord's rental office to determine if the alteration you wish to make is allowed, and to obtain written permission before making any changes.
17. Can I arrange to have my carpet shampooed?
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During the term of your Lease you may arrange to shampoo your carpet at any time, at your own expense. However, great care should be taken to ensure that the carpet dries sufficiently before moving furniture back onto the carpet. Some furniture surfaces may discolor wet carpet if not allowed to dry completely.
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After you have moved-out of the Rental Unit the Landlord will arrange to have the carpet professionally shampooed at your expense. Landlord will make all arrangements and hire a reasonably priced professional carpet cleaner of Landlord's choosing.
18. Can I have my locks changed?
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All apartment locks are changed BEFORE new Tenants pick up keys to move in.
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After moving in Tenants may still request a lock change, but will incur a service charge. Service charges will be determined based on our minimum hourly rate, and the cost of materials for each lock to be changed.
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In the event of an emergency, Tenant should immediately contact Landlord's maintenance staff to arrange an emergency lock change, although this will incur a service charge.
19. What do I do if I am locked out of my apartment?
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During business hours you should go to Landlord's rental office immediately to check out a spare key, which may be checked out for up to three (3) days.
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After business hours Tenants and/or Occupants must contact Landlord's maintenance staff. Please leave a message on the emergency voicemail. Maintenance will attempt to respond immediately. Identification will be required, and the emergency lock-out will incur a minimum $40.00 service charge.
20. Who is responsible for snow removal?
Generally, the Landlord is responsible for snow removal throughout the apartment complexes. However, please consider the following:
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Depending on the local ordinance, property owners must remove accumulated snow from walks and driveways within 24 - 48 hours after the snow storm has ended.
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Outside contractors are hired to clear snow from our properties, and respond as quickly as the weather and their schedule will allow.
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Walkways will be cleared to a reasonable extent to allow safe passage from the building to the parking lot.
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Driveways will be cleared as quickly as possible to allow Tenants to leave the parking lot. Parking spaces generally will not be cleared until several empty adjacent parking spaces are able to be cleared with a snow plow.
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In the days that follow a major snowstorm, Landlord will periodically attempt to clear as many empty parking spaces as possible.
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At no time will the Landlord remove snow from directly around a Tenant's vehicle. This is solely the responsibility of the Tenant.
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Tenants must take extra precaution when walking around the apartment complex, especially in the evening when melting snow begins to refreeze near previously cleared paths.
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If Tenant notices any areas of concern regarding snow removal Tenant must contact Landlord's maintenance staff.