DIY Maintenance and Repair Tips

Helpful Guidance for Common Household Issues

Some maintenance issues can be resolved quickly without a service call. Below you’ll find guidance, responsibilities, and DIY resources to help you address common situations safely and efficiently.

If an issue cannot be resolved using the information below, our maintenance team is here to help.

Emergency Situations

Gas Odor

If you detect a gas odor:

  1. Immediately call your gas provider’s emergency number
  2. Turn off gas appliances if safe to do so
  3. Shut off gas at the meter if the odor persists
  4. Contact your Property Manager after emergency services are notified
Gas Emergency Numbers:

Broken Pipes, Leaks, or Running Fixtures

If you notice leaking water or a broken pipe:

  • Turn off the water at the nearest shut-off valve
  • If unavailable, turn off water at the main house valve or meter
  • Contact our office immediately

Leaks and running fixtures must be reported promptly. Failure to report may result in responsibility for excessive water usage or damage.

No Electricity

If power is lost to part or all of your home:

  1. Check your circuit breaker or fuse box first
  2. Reset tripped breakers or replace blown fuses (same size only)
  3. If power is still out, contact your Property Manager

If an electrician is dispatched and the issue is caused by a tripped breaker, blown fuse, or tenant appliance, the tenant may be responsible for the service cost.

Instructional video: How to reset circuit breakers

Maintenance Responsibilities and Guidelines

Yard and Grounds Maintenance

Unless otherwise stated in your lease, residents are responsible for keeping:

  • Yard and exterior areas free of tall grass, weeds, trash, and debris
  • Interior areas clean and sanitary

If yard maintenance is required and not performed when tenant-responsible, services may be completed at the tenant’s expense.

Locks, Keys and Property Access

  • Management may enter the property for emergencies, repairs, inspections, or showings
  • Reasonable efforts will be made to contact the resident beforehand
  • Locks may not be added or changed without written approval
  • Management must be provided copies of any new keys

Lost keys or lockouts:

  • Key duplication costs apply
  • $50 minimum charge if a key is delivered by management

Smoke Detectors

If smoke detectors are provided:

  • Residents are responsible for replacing batteries as needed
  • Battery replacement is at the resident’s expense
Instructional video available: How to change smoke detector batteries

Plumbing Stoppages

If a plumber is dispatched and stoppages are caused by foreign objects such as:

  • Excess paper
  • Sanitary products
  • Hair, grease, toys, or debris

…the resident may be responsible for repair costs.

Instructional videos available: How to unclog toilets and drains

Air Conditioning and Heating Maintenance

For homes with central or window air conditioning:

  • Filters must be cleaned or replaced monthly
  • Dirty filters can damage systems and increase utility costs
  • Service calls caused by dirty filters may be charged to the resident

Outdoor condenser units must remain clear of grass and weeds at all times.

Instructional video available: How to change your air filter

Still Need Help?

If your issue isn’t covered above or requires professional attention, please contact our Maintenance Department:

504.488.8988

We’re here to help ensure your home remains safe, comfortable, and well-maintained.

Submitting a Maintenance Request

If you need maintenance assistance, please contact our Maintenance Department directly:

📞 504.488.8988