April Showers Bring May… Maintenance Requests?

Spring is a time of growth and renewal—but if you rent your home or apartment, it's also the season where hidden issues from winter often make themselves known. As April showers roll in and the humidity starts to rise, it's the perfect time to be extra observant around your space.

At Home Real Estate Services is here to help keep your home in great condition—but we rely on our residents to let us know when something’s off. So, here’s a spring maintenance checklist that outlines what to watch for, what to report, and how to help keep your living space safe, functional, and damage-free.

1. Roof Leaks & Ceiling Stains

Rainy spring weather can uncover issues that weren’t visible during dry winter months. One of the most common signs of a problem? Water spots on ceilings or walls.

If you see:

• Brown or yellow stains
• Bubbling paint
• Sagging ceiling tiles

Don't wait. These are signs of a possible roof leak or water intrusion that should be reported through your Tenant Portal immediately. Be sure to include a photo so our team can assess the severity.

2. Moisture Around Windows or Baseboards

Spring rain and fluctuating temperatures can lead to condensation or leaks near windows and baseboards. Even small signs of moisture can lead to:

• Mold or mildew
• Rotting wood
• Foundation issues

Report:

• Persistent moisture or dampness
• Soft or swollen baseboards
• Musty smells near window areas

Quick reporting helps prevent long-term damage and keeps indoor air quality healthy.

3. HVAC System Not Cooling

Once those warmer May days hit, you’ll want your A/C ready to go. If your HVAC system isn’t cooling properly or is making strange noises, don’t wait until summer.

Let us know if:

• The system runs constantly but doesn’t cool
• There's weak airflow from the vents
• The thermostat isn’t responsive

Pro tip: changing the filter is your responsibility and can prevent a lot of HVAC headaches. A clogged filter makes the system work harder and can even lead to breakdowns. If you’re unsure how to replace it, we’re happy to help guide you!

4. Leaks Under Sinks or Near Appliances

With more rainfall, the soil shifts—and sometimes plumbing connections shift with it. That can lead to minor leaks that become big problems if ignored.

Check:

• Under kitchen and bathroom sinks
• Around the base of your toilet
• Behind washing machines or dishwashers (if applicable)

If you notice dripping water, a musty smell, or warped cabinetry, submit a maintenance request. Water damage is sneaky—it’s much easier (and cheaper) to fix when it’s caught early.

5. Exterior Drainage Issues

Do you see standing water near your patio, back door, or sidewalk after it rains? Report it.

Poor drainage can cause:

• Muddy or washed-out landscaping
• Foundation erosion
• Water tracking indoors

Send a photo with your request so our maintenance team can evaluate the drainage or downspouts.

6. Pests Making Themselves at Home

Warm, wet weather brings out the bugs—and unfortunately, they love to sneak inside. Ants, roaches, and spiders are the usual suspects, especially in spring.

Let us know if:

• You see a lot of bugs around windows, doors, or kitchens
• You find signs of pests like droppings or chewed materials
• You suspect an exterior entry point (like a gap under a door)

We’ll coordinate pest control when appropriate and make sure any structural concerns are sealed up.

7. Damaged Screens or Weather Stripping

If you’re opening your windows for a spring breeze, take a moment to check for:

• Torn screens (which let pests in)
• Gaps in weather stripping (which reduce energy efficiency)

These seem small, but they make a big difference in your comfort—and your energy bill. Report anything that needs repair and we’ll get it taken care of.

8. Safety Concerns

Spring cleaning is also a great time to test smoke detectors and CO detectors. These are your first line of defense in an emergency.

Let us know if:

• Your smoke alarm chirps (low battery or malfunction)
• A detector is missing or doesn’t work
• A fire extinguisher is missing or discharged

Keeping your unit safe is a team effort—we’re here to help.

How to Submit a Maintenance Request (The Right Way)

At Home Real Estate Services makes it easy for residents to report maintenance issues 24/7 through our Tenant Portal. Here are some quick tips to help you submit an effective request:

• Be specific. “Leak under sink, left side near drainpipe.”
• Include photos. A picture helps us evaluate urgency and plan ahead.
• Let us know your availability. That way we can schedule a technician at a time that works for you.
• Note emergency issues. If something is causing flooding, electrical hazards, or heat/air loss during extreme temperatures, call our emergency maintenance line immediately instead of submitting a standard request.
  
  

⏰ Pro tip: Emergency maintenance is available after hours—but remember, things like burnt-out lightbulbs, minor cosmetic issues, or locked-out situations are not considered emergencies.

Your Role as a Resident

We value our residents—and we also count on you to be our eyes and ears inside your home. Promptly reporting maintenance issues:

• Helps us fix problems before they escalate
• Keeps your home safe and comfortable
• Protects your security deposit by avoiding preventable damage

It's a win-win all around.

In Summary

April showers may bring May flowers, but they can also bring a list of maintenance needs—from roof leaks to faulty A/C units. Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a big, expensive repair. Stay proactive, pay attention to the condition of your space, and use your Tenant Portal to report concerns right away.

Questions about what qualifies as a maintenance request? Need help accessing the portal?

📲 Visit athomehere.com/maintenance-and-repairs or call our team—we’re always happy to help.