Resident responsibilities, repair requests & troubleshooting
Maintenance & Home Care
56 answers
Who is responsible for changing air filters?
Residents are responsible for regularly replacing HVAC filters. Many homes receive filter deliveries approximately every two months through our Resident Benefits Package, but residents are responsible for installing them promptly.
How often should I replace my HVAC filter?
We recommend replacing your HVAC filter approximately every 60 days or sooner if it becomes dirty. Homes enrolled in our Resident Benefits Package receive replacement filters delivered directly to the property every 60 days.
Who is responsible for water filters, light bulbs, batteries, and other consumable items after move-in?
Residents are responsible for replacing routine consumable items, including HVAC filters, water filters, light bulbs, smoke detector batteries, and similar maintenance items as part of the normal care of the home. However, if you notice any of these items need replacement at move-in or within your first 30 days, simply submit a maintenance request through your Resident Portal and we'll take care of it.
Who is responsible for landscaping?
Unless your lease states otherwise, residents are responsible for routine landscape maintenance, including watering, mowing, trimming, and weed control.
Who is responsible for watering the landscaping while repairs are being made to the watering system?
Residents are responsible for keeping the landscaping alive throughout their tenancy, including watering by hand if the irrigation system is temporarily inoperable. Promptly reporting irrigation issues helps us coordinate repairs as quickly as possible.
Who changes smoke detector batteries?
Residents are responsible for testing smoke detectors and replacing batteries as needed.
Who pays for pest control in Arizona?
Residents are responsible for routine pest control. Owners are responsible for termites and other wood-destroying pests.
Who is responsible for pest control?
Residents are responsible for routine pest control. The owner is responsible for termites and other wood-destroying organisms.
Who replaces light bulbs?
Residents are responsible for replacing interior and exterior light bulbs during the lease.
Who replaces refrigerator water filters?
Residents are responsible for replacing appliance filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
Can I hire my own contractor?
No. Please submit maintenance requests through Home Ladder. Unauthorized repairs may not be reimbursed and could create additional liability.
Can I make repairs myself?
Residents are responsible for routine maintenance, including replacing HVAC filters, light bulbs, smoke detector batteries, water filters, routine cleaning, landscape maintenance, and other everyday upkeep outlined in your lease. For anything beyond routine maintenance, please submit a maintenance request through your Resident Portal rather than attempting the repair yourself. Unauthorized repairs can create safety concerns, cause additional damage, or void manufacturer warranties.
We work with trusted, licensed vendors to ensure repairs are completed safely and correctly. If you make repairs without prior approval, you may be responsible for any resulting damage or costs.
What if I accidentally damage the home?
Accidents happen. If you accidentally damage the property, please notify us as soon as possible through your Resident Portal. Reporting the issue promptly often helps prevent additional damage and allows us to coordinate repairs quickly. Depending on the cause, you may be responsible for the cost of the repair under your lease agreement.
How do I submit a maintenance request?
Submit all maintenance requests through your Resident Portal. Please include a detailed description, photos when possible, and the best contact information so we can respond quickly.
Why do I need to submit maintenance requests through the Resident Portal?
The Resident Portal helps us resolve maintenance requests as quickly and efficiently as possible. You can describe the issue, upload photos, and provide your availability so our vendors can coordinate a repair time that works for your schedule or propose an alternative if needed. The portal also allows you to track the status of your request from start to finish and creates a complete record of the repair.
After the work is completed, you'll have the opportunity to rate both the vendor and your Home Ladder Property Manager Associate, helping us continually improve the service we provide.
Do I need to be home for repairs?
We want to make sure repair visits are as convenient as possible for you. Our vendors will coordinate directly with you to find a time that works best for your schedule.
How quickly are maintenance requests completed?
Response times depend on the urgency and scope of the repair. Emergency issues receive immediate attention, while routine maintenance is scheduled as quickly as possible.
What if I miss my maintenance appointment?
Missed appointments may result in a service fee charged by the vendor.
What if the repair wasn't completed correctly?
Please let us know right away. We'll work with the vendor to ensure the issue is resolved.
Will I be charged for repairs?
Normal wear and covered maintenance are the owner's responsibility. Repairs resulting from misuse, neglect, or resident-caused damage may be billed to the resident.
What are considered maintenance emergencies?
Maintenance emergencies are limited to: Uncontained flooding Fire Gas leaks Complete HVAC failure during extreme temperatures Call emergency services first when appropriate, then notify Home Ladder immediately by calling 602-898-3662 and submit a written maintenance request.
My air conditioner isn't cooling. What should I check first?
Check your thermostat settings, replace the air filter if needed, verify the breaker hasn't tripped, and ensure the outdoor unit is clear of debris. If the issue continues, submit a maintenance request.
What is considered an emergency AC issue in Arizona?
Air conditioning issues can become emergencies during Arizona's extreme heat. If your A/C stops working or your home becomes uncomfortably hot, submit a maintenance request through your Resident Portal immediately.
If you're experiencing extreme heat or believe the situation is urgent, call your Property Manager Associate right away after submitting your request so we can prioritize the issue, dispatch a qualified HVAC vendor as quickly as possible, and do our best to keep you comfortable while repairs are being made.
Why is my A/C running all day?
During Arizona's hottest months, it's completely normal for an air conditioner to run for long periods or even continuously during the afternoon and early evening. Air conditioning systems are designed to maintain your thermostat setting during extreme heat, not cool the home quickly. If your home is maintaining the temperature you've selected, your system is likely operating normally.
If the indoor temperature continues to rise well above the thermostat setting or the system stops cooling altogether, please submit a maintenance request through your Resident Portal.
Why is one room hotter than another?
It's common for some rooms to be warmer or cooler than others, especially during Arizona's summer months. Sun exposure, ceiling height, window placement, and airflow can all affect indoor temperatures. Keeping vents open, replacing your HVAC filter regularly, and closing blinds during the hottest part of the day can often improve comfort. If one room has little or no airflow or the temperature difference is excessive, please submit a maintenance request through your Resident Portal.
What should I do if I see mold?
Address any moisture source immediately and submit a maintenance request as soon as possible so we can investigate.
I smell gas, what should I do?
Leave the home immediately, call 911 or your gas utility from a safe location, then notify Home Ladder as soon as possible. Do not operate electrical switches or appliances if you suspect a gas leak.
Where is the gas shutoff?
Gas shutoff valves are typically located near the gas meter. If you suspect a gas leak, leave the property immediately and contact the gas company or 911.
There’s a water leak - who do I call?
If water is actively flowing, shut off the home's main water valve immediately if it is safe to do so, then contact Home Ladder. Active flooding is considered a maintenance emergency.
Where is the main water shutoff?
We'll show you during your move-in orientation. If you're unsure, contact us and we'll help you locate it.
My water heater isn't working. What should I do?
Verify the breaker hasn't tripped or the pilot light hasn't gone out (if applicable). For gas water heaters, verify your service hasn’t been interrupted. If the problem continues, submit a maintenance request.
What should I do if my garage door won't open?
First, make sure the garage door opener has power, check the breaker, and replace the remote battery if needed. If the door still won't operate, verify that the manual release hasn't been engaged. If the problem continues, submit a maintenance request through your Resident Portal.
The power is out, what should I do?
First, determine whether the outage affects just your home or the surrounding neighborhood. Check your breakers and contact your utility provider. If the issue appears to be isolated to the property after power has been restored in the area, submit a maintenance request.
I tripped a breaker. What should I do?
First, unplug any appliances that may have caused the overload. Locate your electrical panel and reset the breaker by switching it fully off and then back on. If it trips repeatedly or won't reset, submit a maintenance request.
Where is the electrical panel?
Most panels are located in the garage, utility room, or on an exterior wall. Let us know if you need assistance locating yours.
How do I reset my GFCI outlet?
Many kitchen, bathroom, garage, laundry, and exterior outlets are protected by a GFCI outlet. If an outlet stops working, press the RESET button on the outlet. If it won't reset, check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker. If power still isn't restored, submit a maintenance request through your Resident Portal.
My refrigerator isn't cooling. What should I do?
Check that the thermostat hasn't been adjusted, verify the breaker hasn't tripped, and make sure the condenser vents aren't blocked. If the refrigerator still isn't cooling after a few hours, submit a maintenance request through your Resident Portal.
My garbage disposal stopped working. What should I do?
If your garbage disposal isn't working, here are a few quick things you can try: First, unplug the unit and check for any objects that might be jamming the blades. Next, plug it back in and press the reset button underneath the unit to restore power. You can also try using an Allen key to manually clear any obstructions. If it's still not working, no problem—just submit a maintenance request through your portal and we'll be happy to take a look.
My toilet keeps running. What should I do?
A running toilet is often caused by a stuck flapper or improperly adjusted float. Remove the tank lid and check that everything is moving freely. If the problem continues, submit a maintenance request.
Why won't my microwave turn on?
If your microwave suddenly loses power, first check that it's plugged in and verify that the circuit breaker or nearby GFCI outlet hasn't tripped. If power isn't restored after resetting the outlet or breaker, please submit a maintenance request through your Resident Portal.
Why isn't my ice maker working?
There are several common reasons an ice maker may stop producing ice. First, make sure it's turned on, the freezer is set to the proper temperature, and the home's water supply is connected. Keep in mind that many ice makers take up to 24 hours to begin producing ice after being turned on or after a power outage. If you've checked these items and it's still not working, please submit a maintenance request through your Resident Portal.
Why is my dishwasher leaving dishes dirty?
Dishwashers perform best when they're loaded properly and cleaned regularly. Food debris, clogged filters, blocked spray arms, or overloading the dishwasher can all affect cleaning performance. If you've cleaned the filter, ensured the spray arms can move freely, and are still experiencing problems, please submit a maintenance request through your Resident Portal.
What should I do if my smoke detector is beeping?
Replace the battery first. If the alarm continues to malfunction after replacing the battery, submit a maintenance request.
Why is my water pressure low?
Low water pressure can be caused by several factors, including mineral buildup, temporary utility work, or plumbing issues. If the problem is limited to one fixture, try cleaning the faucet aerator or shower head. If low pressure affects multiple fixtures throughout the home or continues for an extended period, please submit a maintenance request through your Resident Portal.
What can I put down the garbage disposal?
Garbage disposals are designed to handle small amounts of soft food waste. Avoid putting grease, oils, bones, coffee grounds, pasta, rice, eggshells, fibrous vegetables, or other hard or expandable materials into the disposal, as they can cause clogs or damage. Running cold water before, during, and after using the disposal will help keep it operating properly.
What shouldn't I flush down the toilet?
Toilets are designed to flush only human waste and toilet paper. Items such as wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, diapers, cat litter, and other household items should never be flushed, even if they're labeled "flushable." Repairs resulting from improper use may be the resident's responsibility under the lease.
Who pays for clogged drains?
Residents are generally responsible for clogs caused by hair, grease, food, wipes, or foreign objects.
What should I do if I see bees or a beehive?
Please do not disturb bees or attempt to remove a hive yourself. Stay clear of the area and keep children and pets away. If a hive is located on the property, submit a maintenance request through your Resident Portal so we can coordinate safe removal. If the bees present an immediate threat to your safety, contact emergency services first and notify us as soon as you're able.
What should I do if I find a scorpion?
Scorpions are a common part of living in Arizona and may occasionally find their way indoors. If you find one, use caution and remove it only if you can do so safely. Keeping your home clean, sealing gaps around doors and windows, and reducing insects around the property can help discourage scorpions. If you believe they're entering through a maintenance-related issue or you're experiencing a recurring problem, please submit a maintenance request through your Resident Portal.
How do Resident Rewards work?
Residents receive access to discounts and special offers through our Resident Rewards program. Details are available after move-in.
How does HVAC filter delivery work?
Replacement filters are shipped directly to your home approximately every 60 days. Your first filter will arrive approximately 60 days after move-in. Simply install the new filter within two days of receiving it.
What if I don't receive my HVAC filter?
Please contact your Property Manager Associate. We'll verify your shipping information and help ensure you receive your replacement filter as quickly as possible.
How does credit reporting work?
On-time rent payments are reported through a third-party service, helping you build positive credit history.
What is Identity Protection?
Your Resident Benefits Package includes identity theft monitoring and protection services through our third-party provider.
How do I update my emergency contact information?
Keeping your emergency contact information up to date helps us respond quickly if an emergency occurs. You can update your emergency contact information at any time through your Resident Portal. If you have trouble making changes, please contact your Property Manager Associate for assistance.
What should I do during a monsoon?
Secure outdoor furniture, close windows, avoid driving through flooded roads, and report any storm-related property damage as soon as it's safe.