Maintenance
Tell us what failed, and which unit.
Use the form below to send a written request. Gas, active flooding, and loss of heat in cold weather are emergencies: use the contact form.
Before you submit
Quick fixes you can try first
Many common problems can be fixed in a few minutes. If a step does not work, or you are not comfortable trying it, open a ticket below.
A breaker tripped (power out in part of the unit)
- Unplug what was running when the power went out, especially heaters, hair dryers, or microwaves.
- Open the breaker panel and find the switch that sits in the middle or points the other way from the rest.
- Push it fully to off, then back to on.
- Plug items back in one at a time.
If it trips again right away, leave it off. A burning smell, sparks, or a hot outlet is an emergency: leave the area and use the contact form.
Still not fixed? Open a ticket.
Clogged drain or toilet
- Use a plunger. A flange plunger works best on toilets and a flat cup plunger on sinks and tubs.
- If a toilet bowl is rising, turn the shutoff valve behind the toilet clockwise until it stops, or lift the tank lid and press the flapper closed.
- For a slow sink, clear hair from the stopper and try hot (not boiling) water.
- Please do not use chemical drain cleaners. They can damage pipes and burn whoever clears the line next.
Water that will not stop, or water spreading to other rooms or units, is flooding and an emergency: use the contact form.
Still not fixed? Open a ticket.
Garbage disposal hums or will not run
If your unit has a disposal:
- Turn the switch off. Never put a hand inside.
- Press the red reset button on the bottom of the unit under the sink.
- With the switch still off, if there is a hex socket on the bottom, turn it back and forth with the matching hex key to free a jam.
- Run cold water, then turn the switch on.
Still not fixed? Open a ticket.
No heat, or the thermostat is not working
- Set the thermostat to Heat and raise it a few degrees above the room temperature.
- If the display is blank, replace its batteries.
- Check the breaker panel for a tripped breaker (see above).
- If your home has radiators, make sure the valve on each radiator is open.
No heat in freezing weather is an emergency: use the contact form.
Still not fixed? Open a ticket.
Smoke detector is chirping
- A single chirp about once a minute usually means a low battery. Replace the battery and press the test button.
- If the chirp continues after a new battery, the detector may need replacing. Open a ticket.
- Please never remove a detector or take out its battery without replacing it.
A full alarm, smoke, or fire is an emergency: get out and call 911, then use the contact form.
Still not fixed? Open a ticket.
Air conditioning is not cooling
- Set the thermostat or unit to Cool and lower it a few degrees below the room temperature.
- Check the filter. A clogged filter can stop cooling.
- Check the breaker panel for a tripped breaker.
- For a window unit, make sure it is plugged in and the vents are not blocked.
- If ice is forming on the unit, turn it off for a few hours to let it thaw, then try again.
Still not fixed? Open a ticket.
Locked out
Please use the contact form. We will confirm who you are before anyone lets you in. Please do not force a door or window.
Still not fixed? Open a ticket.