Apartment Has Maintenance Fix Everything—Skip Hiring Electrician or Plumber

If you’ve ever had a flickering light or a dripping faucet in your rental, you might’ve wondered: Should I call a plumber or electrician—or just submit a maintenance request? Many renters don’t realize their apartment has maintenance fix everything—from clogged drains to faulty outlets—without needing outside contractors. This not only saves you money but also reduces the hassle of coordinating third-party services. In this guide, we’ll explore when and why relying on your building’s maintenance team is the smarter, safer, and often required choice.

Why Do Apartments Handle Repairs In-House?

Most modern apartment complexes employ full-time or on-call maintenance staff trained to handle common electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and appliance issues. This setup benefits both landlords and tenants: landlords maintain control over work quality and code compliance, while tenants get faster, free (or low-cost) service.

According to a 2024 survey by the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), 86% of large apartment communities (100+ units) offer 24/7 maintenance coverage, with 72% completing routine repairs within 24 hours. This efficiency is rarely matched by independent contractors you’d hire yourself.

“Using in-house maintenance ensures repairs meet local building codes and lease agreements,” says Maria Lopez, a property management consultant with 15 years of experience. “Tenants who hire outside pros without permission often void their lease or get billed for unauthorized work.”

Can Maintenance Really Fix Everything?

Not everything—but far more than most renters assume. Here’s what typical apartment maintenance teams can handle:

✅ Electrical:

• Replacing light switches/outlets
• Resetting circuit breakers
• Installing ceiling fans or light fixtures
• Fixing tripping GFCI outlets

✅ Plumbing:

• Unclogging sinks, toilets, or showers
• Replacing faucet cartridges or toilet flappers
• Fixing leaky supply lines
• Adjusting water pressure

✅ Appliances & General:

• Servicing refrigerators, dishwashers, or garbage disposals
• Repairing door locks, blinds, or minor drywall damage

⚠️ What They Can’t Do:

• Major rewiring or panel upgrades (requires licensed electrician)
• Sewer line replacement or major pipe reconfigurations
• Gas line work (in most states, only licensed gas fitters can do this)

⚡ Important: In the U.S., electrical and plumbing work must often comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local plumbing codes. Unauthorized DIY repairs can violate these—and your lease. Learn more about building codes on Wikipedia.

What Happens If You Hire Your Own Electrician or Plumber?

While it might seem convenient to call your cousin the handyman, doing so without landlord approval can backfire:

• Lease violation: Most leases explicitly require you to use approved maintenance channels.
• Liability issues: If an unlicensed contractor causes a fire or flood, you could be held financially responsible.
• Voided insurance: Your renter’s insurance may not cover damage from unauthorized repairs.
• Costly reversals: The landlord may undo your “fix” and bill you for restoring code-compliant conditions.

A 2023 case in Chicago saw a tenant fined $1,200 after hiring an unlicensed plumber to reroute a bathroom pipe—only for the work to fail inspection and cause water damage to the unit below.

Step-by-Step: How to Properly Request Maintenance

Follow this simple process to get your issue resolved quickly—and legally:

1. Document the problem: Take clear photos or a short video showing the issue (e.g., a leaking pipe or sparking outlet).
2. Check your lease: Confirm whether the issue is your responsibility or the landlord’s. (Hint: Most structural or system-level issues are not yours.)
3. Submit a request: Use your property’s portal, app, or phone line. Be specific:“Kitchen sink under cabinet is leaking at the P-trap joint. Dripping ~10 drops/minute. Started yesterday after using garbage disposal.”
4. Track response time: Landlords in most states must respond to urgent issues (e.g., no heat, gas smell, electrical hazards) within 24–72 hours.
5. Follow up politely: If no one shows, send a message: “Just checking—still waiting for maintenance on [ticket #].”

This method ensures you stay compliant while getting fast service.

In-House Maintenance vs. Hiring Outside Help: Pros & Cons

As you can see, in-house maintenance wins on nearly every front—especially for routine issues.

When Should You Consider Outside Help?

There are rare exceptions where hiring your own contractor makes sense:

• Cosmetic upgrades: Want to install custom lighting or a smart shower? Get written landlord approval first, but you can often DIY or hire help.
• Landlord neglect: If your request is ignored for weeks (and it’s a habitable issue), your state may allow “repair and deduct” (e.g., California, New York). Always check local tenant laws first.
• Specialty requests: Need a smart home system installed? Maintenance may not handle it—but ask if they partner with approved vendors.

Even then, never start work without written permission.

FAQ Section

Q1: Is it illegal to hire my own electrician in an apartment?

Not necessarily illegal—but it likely violates your lease. Most rental agreements state that all repairs must go through management. Doing otherwise can result in fines or eviction.

Q2: What if maintenance takes too long to fix a serious issue?

For urgent problems (e.g., no heat in winter, electrical fire risk), document your request and follow up daily. In many states, you can send a certified letter giving the landlord a deadline (e.g., 48 hours). If ignored, legal remedies like “repair and deduct” may apply—but consult a tenant rights group first.

Q3: Can maintenance staff really handle electrical work safely?

Yes—most are certified maintenance technicians trained in basic electrical safety. They won’t do panel upgrades, but they’re qualified for outlet/switch replacements and troubleshooting. Complex work is escalated to licensed partners.

Q4: Do I have to pay if maintenance damages something during a repair?

No. The landlord is responsible for damages caused by their staff. Take photos before and after, and report any new issues immediately.

Q5: What should I do if I already hired a plumber without permission?

Contact your property manager ASAP. Explain the situation honestly. They may inspect the work and, if up to code, simply require documentation. But don’t wait—proactive communication reduces penalties.

Q6: Can I upgrade my own outlets or faucets for aesthetics?

Only with written approval. Even “simple” upgrades can violate fire or water codes. Many landlords allow upgrades if you use approved parts and let their team install them.

Conclusion

Your apartment has maintenance fix everything—from leaky faucets to faulty switches—so there’s rarely a need (or legal right) to hire your own electrician or plumber. Using in-house services keeps you compliant, protected, and often saves hundreds of dollars. Plus, you’ll avoid the headaches of scheduling, vetting, and paying outside contractors.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow renters on social media! Many tenants don’t know their rights—or responsibilities—when it comes to home repairs. A quick share could save someone from a costly mistake.

🔧 Remember: When in doubt, submit a maintenance ticket first. It’s free, fast, and the smartest move for your wallet—and your lease.