Is your sink leaky? Do you need a repair done? Check out our handy flow chart and submit your maintenance request, so you can get your house or apartment repaired the right way. Want some DIY videos for common household repairs such as: leaky sinks & changing a lightbulb? Check out our DIY page!
DIFFERENT TYPES OF REPAIRS
Life threatening = 24 HOURS
Due to loss of electricity, heat, hot/cold water. Repairs must be initiated or attempts made to change within 24 hours by your landlord or property management company.
Loss of essential appliance = 72 HOURS
Such as refrigerator, stove, or plumbing. Repairs must be initiated or attempts made to change within 72 hours by your landlord or property management company.
Any other issue? = 10 DAYS
Repairs must be initiated or attempts made to change within 10 days by your landlord or property management company.
SUBMIT A MAINTENANCE REQUEST
Make sure you know how your landlord wants you to submit maintenance requests.
Be sure to remain professional while talking to your landlord, it’s in your best interest to not get angry or heated in an exchange. Many landlord’s will try and make sure repairs are done in a timely manner not only for safety reasons, but also because even if something is a small leak, it can end up costing you and them money in the long run.
Send something by email or text, don’t just call.
It’s always good to have proof of conversations. We also recommend explaining the repairs needed and sending this letter by certified mail. However, if your repair is life or property threatening such as a huge leak, fire, or serious electrical hazard, don’t hesitate to call your landlord, they want to know so they can keep you safe!
Send it by certified mail if you want proof.
This ensures you that your landlord or property management company has really received your letter. Sending by text, by email or by regular mail, will not help you prove that your landlord received your message if you ever have to go to court! That being said, if you have a good relationship with your landlord, then email or texting them might be the easiest way to get a repair started.
REPORT ISSUE TO THE CITY
If you have reported an issue to your landlord, they have not responded, and there are issues with life and fire safety standards like non-functioning windows, handrails, electrical or heating, you can report it to the City here. This will require the city to come to your property and perform a health and safety inspection.
IF REPAIR OR CONTACT HAS NOT BEEN MADE
As a last-ditch effort, if you have submitted a maintenance request and have not heard back from your landlord or property management company and they have NOT started repairs or made contact with you, you can arrange for someone to come make repairs within reason. (RCW 59.18.100)
1. GET AN ESTIMATE FROM A REPAIRPERSON
Send your landlord an estimate (by certified mail) for the cost of the repair, as stated by the repair person you are going to contract.
2. REPAIRPERSON STARTS REPAIRS
If your repair should be done within 24-72 hours, then you can start repairs as soon as you deliver the estimate to your landlord.
If your repair should be done within 10 days (not life-threatening), then you should wait 12 days after you deliver the estimate to your landlord to have the repairperson come and start repairs.
3. SUBTRACT IT FROM YOUR RENT
Subtract cost of the contracted repair from next month’s rent (repair must be equal or less than one month’s rent.) You can’t spend over two months’ rent over a 12-month period.
DIRE CIRCUMSTANCES/TOTAL INACTION
If attempts to contact you or start the repair have not been made AT ALL…
A. YOU CAN CHOOSE TO MOVE OUT
Send your landlord a written notice that you’re moving out. They’re required to pay back your security deposit & any rent you’ve already paid for that month.
B. YOU CAN DO A MEDIATED DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center offers free mediation for issues relating to housing. If you are interested in having a mediated conversation with your landlord, you can reach out to them and they will approach your landlord about participating in the process for you.
C. YOU CAN CHOOSE TO GO TO COURT
Will your landlord cooperate to reach a solution?
Yes: You can go through Arbitration. Arbitration is the settling of a dispute between two parties by a knowledgeable third party.
No: Hire a lawyer and force landlord to make the repairs. (RCW 59.18.090)