When to Call Your Landlord: A Guide to Rental Repairs
4 min read.
Knowing when to contact your landlord about an issue in your rental isn’t always straightforward. While you may handle minor fixes, other problems require prompt communication with your landlord or property manager. Being clear on when to reach out ensures your space remains safe, functional, and comfortable, and helps maintain a positive tenant-landlord relationship.
In this article, you’ll learn when to contact your landlord for rental repairs, identify health and safety concerns, what to do if essential services are disrupted, and how to report maintenance issues effectively.
Health and Safety Hazards
You should notify your landlord immediately if anything in your rental poses a health or safety risk. This includes issues like exposed wiring, gas leaks, broken locks, flooding or mold. These problems can quickly become serious and should always be addressed immediately. Landlords are typically required by law to provide a safe living environment, so don’t hesitate to report urgent matters.
Loss of Essential Services
Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining essential services such as heat, water, and electricity. Suppose your heat goes out in the winter. If your water stops running or your power is disrupted due to an internal issue (not a utility outage), it’s your landlord’s responsibility to resolve the issue. Be sure to document the problem clearly and let them know how it’s affecting your ability to live comfortably in the space.
Plumbing or Structural Problems
Leaky faucets might be a minor annoyance, but major plumbing issues, like a backed-up toilet, clogged drains you can’t fix with a plunger, or a broken pipe, should be reported. Likewise, structural concerns such as large wall cracks, sagging ceilings, or broken windows require your landlord’s attention. These issues can worsen over time, leading to more damage if not addressed quickly.
Appliance Breakdowns (If provided)
If your rental came with a fridge, stove, washer, or other appliances and they stop working, you should notify your landlord. Since the appliances were included in your lease, their maintenance usually falls under the landlord’s responsibilities. Even if the issue seems small, it’s best to report it early so it doesn’t become a larger inconvenience.
Pest Infestations
Seeing a few ants in the summer might not be unusual, but a full-blown infestation of mice, cockroaches, or bedbugs is another story. Most leases place the responsibility for pest control on the landlord, especially if the problem is not due to tenant behaviour. Let them know when you notice signs of pests so they can arrange for professional extermination if necessary.
How to Reach Out
Always keep a record of your communications, especially for urgent matters. When reporting an issue, try to provide details like:
When the problem started
How does it affect your daily life
Any steps you’ve taken to manage it
Photos or videos, if possible
You don’t need to feel unsure about contacting your landlord; timely communication benefits everyone. Taking a proactive approach to rental repairs keeps your home safe and helps prevent bigger issues down the road.
References
Have a maintenance or repair issue you need your landlord to fix? here’s what you should know - advocacy centre for tenants ontario. ACTO. (2025, February 19). https://www.acto.ca/have-a-maintenance-or-repair-issue-you-need-your-landlord-to-fix-heres-what-you-should-know/
Eckberg, M. A. (2025, February 14). Renters, here’s when you should call your landlord. MilitaryByOwner Housing Blog. https://blog.militarybyowner.com/renters-heres-when-you-should-call-your-landlord-infographic
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