What information should a tenant include when submitting a maintenance request online?

Location and description

A good request starts with where and what. Tenants should name the room and describe the problem in plain terms, such as the kitchen sink drains slowly or the bedroom window will not lock.

Specific language saves a round trip of questions. A landlord who reads a clear description can often diagnose the issue and send the right person the first time.

A photo or short video

A picture removes guesswork. A photo of a cracked tile or a dripping pipe shows the scope in a way that words rarely match.

For intermittent problems, a short video helps. A running toilet or a flickering light is easier to understand in motion than in a still image.

Urgency and access

Tenants should flag how urgent the issue feels. No heat in winter is not the same as a squeaky door, and knowing the difference helps a landlord triage fairly.

Access details matter too. A note about pets, work schedules, or a preferred time window helps a vendor plan a visit that actually happens.

Contact and follow-up

A current phone number or email lets the landlord or vendor confirm timing. Missing contact details are a common reason repairs stall before they start.

Finally, tenants should keep an eye on the request status. A quick reply to a scheduling message keeps the repair moving instead of bouncing back to the queue.