Tenants

Tenants Maintenance

Maintenance is inevitable...

It's a common misconception that landlords do not want their tenants to contact them when they have a maintenance issue. Problems are inevitable. Many issues that occur around a property do not require a major expense, but if neglected, could become a much larger problem. If it is causing an inconvenience to you, it is quite possible that the landlord would be willing to repair the item. It is just as important to the landlord that the home remains occupied by a renter who communicates and values the space they are living in, and in good condition. Don't fear retaliatory actions from the landlord, please report the problem. We think you'll find most landlords appreciate your diligence with regards to the care of the property.

Please know, tenants are responsible for Basic Troubleshooting and routine upkeep, including tasks such as replacing light bulbs and batteries, cleaning or replacing filters, and maintaining overall cleanliness. Any safety or functionality issues must be reported to CoRental promptly, as soon as they are noticed, otherwise tenant may incur costs associated with the repair. Unauthorized repairs are not allowed and missed service appointments may result in a fee. Seasonal Responsibilities — such as disconnecting hoses, clearing snow, checking crawlspaces, and keeping gutters free of debris—must be completed as needed.

Emergency issues (no heat, no hot water, substantial water leaks, gas leaks, etc.) are addressed as quickly as possible; however, please note that the landlord legally has up to three days to respond to emergencies.

If you are experiencing an emergency requiring immediate attention, please call (406) 752-5600. If calling outside office hours, follow the prompts for emergency assistance.

If a maintenance issue continues after you have completed basic troubleshooting, please submit a Maintenance Request or call us at (406) 752-5600 or email us at info@corental.net.

Basic Troubleshooting

• Refrigerator is having trouble cooling/staying cool? Clean and vacuum coils on the back or bottom of the fridge, clean and vacuum filter at the bottom under the door, defrost for 24 hours-remove all food, unplug and let defrost for 24 hours.
• Heat issues? Make sure furniture is not in front of any heaters or covering any vents and check the electrical breaker. Cadet heaters – remove the grate, clean and vacuum inside. Baseboard heaters – vacuum the grates and clean the unit or any dirt, hair, etc. Forced air – check thermostat batteries, check filter monthly and replace as needed. Wall heaters – check pilot light is lit. Minisplit – remove filters and wash.
• Garbage disposal stop working? Most disposals have a reset button on the bottom of the unit. Push to reset. Reminder, lots of items should not be put in the disposal. Great rule of thumb, scrape your dishes into the garbage before rinsing.
• Appliance stop working? Check appliance electrical plug is not loose and check the electrical breaker box-if breaker was tripped off, turn back on. 
• Clogged drains? 

Seasonal Responsibilities

• Fall/Winter : test smoke/CO detectors and replace batteries as needed, check digital thermostats are working and replace batteries if needed, disconnect outside hoses from spigots, ensure heat tape is plugged in and working, covers/insulation is placed over crawlspace vents and wells and that skirting is secure, chimneys/fireplaces/wood stove pipes make sure are clean before first fire (per your lease, must be professionally cleaned annually), air vents and baseboard heaters are clear of furniture, curtains and clutter, snow/ice routinely removed from walkways, driveways, decking, vents, ice melt/salt is used sparingly because it deteriorates concrete - sand may be used for traction. If tenants are absent during freezing weather - open cupboards underneath sink to allow warm air to pipes and arrange to have the Premises regularly checked for heat/wellness. Window condensation can accumulate when the temperatures inside are warmer and more humid than the outside cold temperature. Open blinds or curtains so they are not touching the window frame and towel up any wet areas. 
• Spring/Summer: test smoke/CO monitors and replace batteries as needed, check crawlspace for water, open crawlspace vents, unplug heat tape, clean/clear rain gutters, test spigots carefully to ensure there was not a burst pipe over winter, chimney/stove pipes are clean.