How to Report Maintenance Issues and Get Repairs Done Quickly

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…Even If Your Landlord Seems Like a Ghost

When something breaks, don’t panic - report it like a pro and get it fixed fast. Living smart starts here. 🛠️✨ #RoomsAthens #ErasmusLife

Let’s be real for a second.

There’s nothing worse than finally settling into your Erasmus apartment in Athens, and then BOOM... the hot water dies, your window won’t shut, or the WiFi suddenly ghosts you mid-Zoom lecture.

So, what do you do?

You send a message to your landlord... and then you wait... and wait... and wait.

Welcome to the maintenance limbo.

Or as some Erasmus students call it: the "why-did-I-ever-leave-home" phase.

But it doesn’t have to be like this.

Today, we’ll show you exactly how to report maintenance issues and get them resolved FAST... even if you’re renting from someone who seems allergic to responsibility.

And if you’re staying with Rooms Athens?

You’re already ahead of the game - but more on that at the end.

1. First, Know What Counts as a Maintenance Issue (and What Doesn’t)

Not everything is worth raising a flag over.

But when it is, don’t wait around hoping it’ll fix itself.

✅ Examples of legit maintenance issues:

  • Mold or water damage

  • No hot water or heating

  • Leaking faucets, burst pipes

  • Electrical problems or exposed wires

  • Broken door locks or windows (aka safety risk)

  • Major appliance breakdowns (e.g., fridge, washing machine)

❌ What’s not:

  • A lightbulb burning out

  • WiFi running a bit slow because everyone’s streaming Netflix at 10PM

  • Your roommate leaving dishes in the sink (talk to them, not the landlord)


Pro tip: The more clearly you can identify the problem, the faster it gets solved. Which brings us to...

2. Describe the Problem Like You’re Talking to a 5-Year-Old

Landlords are not mind readers. Some aren’t even that responsive unless you make it dead simple for them to understand what’s going on.

Instead of:

“The heater’s weird again.”

Say:

“The heater in the living room isn’t turning on. It worked yesterday, but now when I switch it on, nothing happens. I’ve already checked the fuse box—everything’s fine there.”

Why this works:

  • It shows you’ve already tried the obvious stuff

  • It gives them a starting point to investigate

  • It helps them decide whether to send a handyman or come themselves

Bonus tip: Include photos or a short video if possible. Landlords love visuals (and it saves everyone time).

3. Put It in Writing - Always

Even if you’ve spoken to them in person or on the phone, follow up in writing.

Why?

Because if things go south, a written record is your best friend.

Use your app if provided (like Rooms Athens’ 24/7 support chat), WhatsApp, or email.

Just make sure it’s traceable.

Here’s a short template:

Hi [Landlord’s Name],

Just wanted to let you know that [insert problem] started today. For example:

The bathroom sink is leaking underneath. I noticed water pooling in the cabinet.

I’ve attached a photo/video for reference.

Could you please let me know when someone can come take a look?

Thanks in advance, Juliette

Simple. Polite. Straight to the point.

4. Set Clear Expectations (Politely, But Firmly)

This one’s key.

Most students either don’t want to bother their landlord, or they go full rage mode after three days of silence.

Let’s strike the balance.

If you don’t hear back within 24 hours, follow up like this:

“Just checking in to see if you had a chance to look into this. I’d really appreciate an update, especially because it’s affecting [e.g., my ability to shower/study/use the kitchen].”

And if it drags on:

“I totally understand if things are busy, but this issue is making it hard to [study/feel safe/live comfortably]. Is there a timeline I should expect for this to be fixed?”

This keeps you respectful while signaling you’re not going to be ignored.

5. Know When to Escalate (and How)

Some landlords just… don’t care.

So if it’s been more than a few days and nothing’s happening, don’t sit there in silence.

Here’s what you do:

  • Mention your lease. “As per the lease, the landlord is responsible for maintenance and safety issues.”

  • Mention local housing rules (Greek tenancy law does back you up—especially if you’re on an official lease like ours).

  • Mention moving out (last resort). “If this issue can’t be addressed soon, I might need to explore other housing options.”

Most landlords won’t let it get to this point.

But you should always be ready to protect yourself.

6. Use a Provider That Actually Gives a Damn

Now here's the part no one tells you:

You shouldn't have to fight to get basic things fixed.

At Rooms Athens, we treat maintenance like a priority - not a side quest.

  • You get official leases backed by Greek law

  • You have a 24/7 support chat inside our app

  • You’re not alone - our support team is real, and they answer

  • Our goal? Fix problems before they become problems

We manage 100+ properties ourselves, so we’re not just middlemen.

That means fewer delays, no third-party drama, and faster solutions.

A Real Example From Our Tenants:

Last month, one of our Erasmus tenants reported a clogged bathroom drain.

Instead of waiting 4 days to “see if it gets better” like her old host used to suggest, she sent us:

  • A video of the water backing up

  • A message through our app’s support chat

Here’s what happened next:

  • 30 minutes later: She got a reply with a scheduled visit time

  • Next day: A technician came, unclogged it, and tested everything

  • We followed up with her after the visit to make sure all was good

No ghosting. No drama. No stress.

TL;DR — Here’s the Maintenance Reporting Cheat Sheet:

✅ Know what counts as a real issue

✅ Explain the problem clearly (include pics or video)

✅ Always send it in writing

✅ Set expectations for a fix

✅ Follow up like a pro

✅ Escalate if needed

Or… just use a provider that handles it for you!

Final Thoughts

You didn’t come all the way to Athens just to chase your landlord about a busted heater.

You came to study, explore, and live.

So don’t let maintenance issues hijack your Erasmus experience.

If you found this post helpful and want peace of mind built into your housing, check out our listings at Rooms Athens

Our apartments are fully furnished, move-in-ready, and come with real human support - not “we’ll get back to you next week” energy.

Your Erasmus chapter should be about memories, not maintenance.

Let’s keep it that way.