Appliances occasionally fail in any rental property. A refrigerator stops cooling, a dishwasher won’t drain, or a washing machine suddenly won’t start.
When this happens, many tenants aren’t sure what to do next. Acting quickly—and following the right steps—helps resolve the issue faster and prevents small problems from becoming bigger ones.
If an appliance in your rental stops working, here is the best way to handle the situation.
First: Confirm the Appliance Is Actually Not Working
Before assuming the appliance is broken, check a few simple things that commonly cause issues.
Start with these quick checks:
• Make sure the appliance is plugged in
• Check if a circuit breaker has tripped
• Confirm power is working in the outlet
• Look for simple reset buttons on the appliance
• Make sure doors, lids, or latches are fully closed
Many service calls end up being caused by tripped breakers or unplugged appliances, so these quick checks can sometimes solve the issue immediately.
Check the User Settings
Some appliances stop functioning due to incorrect settings rather than a mechanical problem.
For example:
• Dishwashers may pause if the door isn’t fully latched
• Washing machines may stop if loads are unbalanced
• Refrigerators may stop cooling if temperature settings were changed
Review the control panel and make sure the appliance is set correctly.
Look for Obvious Issues
Sometimes the cause of the problem is visible.
Examples include:
• A clogged dishwasher filter
• A dryer lint trap that hasn’t been cleaned
• A refrigerator air vent being blocked by food
• A garbage disposal jam
If something simple appears to be causing the issue, correcting it may restore normal operation.
Submit a Maintenance Request
If the appliance still isn’t working after basic checks, the next step is submitting a maintenance request.
When reporting the issue, include clear details such as:
• The appliance type (refrigerator, oven, washer, etc.)
• The brand if visible
• A description of what the appliance is doing
• Any unusual sounds or error codes
• When the problem started
The more information provided, the faster maintenance can diagnose the problem.
Avoid Attempting Major Repairs
It may be tempting to try fixing the appliance yourself, but major repairs should always be handled by qualified technicians.
Attempting repairs without approval can:
• Cause additional damage
• Void manufacturer warranties
• Create safety risks
• Lead to unexpected repair costs
If the appliance requires service, it is best to wait for an approved technician.
Continue Basic Care of the Appliance
While waiting for repairs, continue following normal care practices for the appliance.
Examples include:
• Keeping refrigerator doors closed as much as possible
• Not overloading washing machines
• Cleaning lint traps in dryers
Good care helps prevent further issues and keeps appliances running efficiently once repaired.
Common Appliances That Occasionally Need Service
Some appliances simply experience more wear and tear because they are used frequently.
The most common service calls in rental homes involve:
• Refrigerators
• Dishwashers
• Washing machines
• Dryers
• Garbage disposals
• HVAC systems
Routine maintenance and quick reporting help keep these systems working properly.
Why Reporting Problems Early Matters
Waiting too long to report an appliance problem can make the situation worse.
For example:
• A small refrigerator issue can lead to food spoilage
• A clogged dishwasher can cause water leaks
• A malfunctioning dryer can become a safety hazard
Reporting problems early helps resolve them faster and prevents additional damage.
The Bottom Line
Appliance problems are a normal part of living in any home. Most issues can be resolved quickly once they are reported and diagnosed.
If an appliance stops working:
- Check power, breakers, and plugs
- Review settings and controls
- Look for obvious issues like clogs or jams
- Submit a maintenance request with clear details
Taking these steps ensures the issue can be addressed as quickly as possible and helps keep the home running smoothly.
