How to Report Maintenance Issues and Get Repairs Done Quickly (Without Losing Your Mind)
/Stop stressing over broken heaters or leaky pipes—this guide will show you how to get stuff fixed fast.
A modern Athens co-living apartment, where a tenant reports an issue via app while a professional handles repairs—comfort made easy with Rooms Athens
So, your kitchen faucet is dripping like it’s auditioning for a water torture scene, or your heater just gave up during a chilly Athens night.
Sound familiar?
If you’re like most Erasmus students, dealing with maintenance issues probably feels like signing up for a slow-motion nightmare.
But here’s the truth: getting repairs done quickly isn’t magic—it’s strategy.
Keep reading and discover how to turn a grumpy landlord or property manager into a repair-solving machine.
Step 1: Know the Rules of the Game
Here’s the deal: when you signed your lease, you entered a legally binding agreement.
That means both you and the landlord have obligations.
Your landlord has to keep the property in livable condition—no ifs, ands, or buts.
But here’s the kicker: not all repairs are their problem.
Accidentally smashed a window during a late-night TikTok challenge? That’s on you.
But heating, plumbing, electrical issues, or mold creeping up the walls?
Those are their responsibility.
Pro Tip: Before you even notice an issue, grab a copy of your lease and read it.
Circle or highlight the part about maintenance responsibilities.
You’ll need this later when you start throwing around your rights like a pro.
Step 2: Report the Problem Like a Boss
Let’s be real: sending a vague “Something’s broken, pls fix” text isn’t going to get anyone moving.
If you want action, you need precision.
How to Do It Right:
Start with the Facts: “The heater in Room 2 hasn’t worked for 3 days, and the temperature is below 18°C at night. I’ve tried resetting it, but it’s still not working.”
Provide Evidence: Take pictures, shoot a video, or even record the sound of that faucet drip-drip-dripping into your sanity. Attach it to your message.
Be Polite but Firm: “As outlined in the lease agreement (Section 4.2), heating is the landlord’s responsibility. Please confirm when this will be repaired.”
Set a Deadline: “Kindly let me know by [date] when the repair is scheduled. This is becoming urgent.”
Pro Tip: Send this message via email or through an app if your housing provider offers one (like ours at Rooms Athens). This creates a digital paper trail that’s harder to ignore.
Step 3: Follow Up Like a Pro
No response after 48 hours? It’s time to turn up the heat (pun intended).
Follow-Up Formula:
Forward your initial message.
Add a short note: “Hi [Landlord’s Name], I’m following up on the heating issue I reported on [date]. Could you update me on the repair timeline? This is becoming urgent as temperatures are dropping.”
Still no answer? Call them. Direct contact cuts through the noise. Be calm but assertive: “Hi, I’m calling about the heating issue in Room 2. I sent an email on [date] and followed up on [date]. Can you let me know when this will be addressed?”
Pro Tip: Always stay professional, no matter how annoyed you are. Losing your cool gives them an excuse to dismiss you.
Step 4: Know Your Rights (and Use Them)
If your landlord keeps ghosting you, it’s time to play hardball.
In Greece, landlords must maintain the property in livable condition.
If they fail, you’ve got options:
Write a Formal Complaint: Draft a letter explaining the issue, referencing your previous attempts to resolve it, and attaching your evidence. Drop the letter off in person or send it via registered mail (this adds legal weight).
Contact a Tenant Advocacy Group: In Athens, tenant advocacy groups can guide you on your rights. They can even help mediate disputes.
Report Them to Local Authorities: If the issue is serious (like no heat in winter), file a complaint with the appropriate municipal office.
Step 5: Prevention Is Your Secret Weapon
Want to avoid these headaches entirely?
Start by renting from someone who actually gives a damn.
A company that has systems in place to handle maintenance requests quickly and professionally (hint hint).
Here at Rooms Athens, we’ve got:
An App for That: Report issues 24/7, track progress, and get updates without the runaround
Legendary Support: Our team doesn’t just fix things—we fix them fast
Transparent Policies: You know exactly what’s covered, no surprises
So, before you move into your next place, ask about their maintenance process.
Trust us, your future self will thank you.
Real-Life Example: How Anna Got Her Hot Water Back in 24 Hours
Let's look at Anna's case, another Erasmus student.
She was halfway through shampooing her hair when the hot water cut out.
She reported it immediately through our app, attaching a photo of the error code on the water heater.
Within an hour, she got a message: “Thanks for reporting this, Anna! Our technician will be there tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM.”
Problem solved. No drama. No stress.
Now imagine dealing with a landlord who doesn’t even respond to your texts. See the difference?
The Bottom Line
You deserve a living situation that doesn’t feel like a part-time job.
Reporting maintenance issues isn’t rocket science, but it does take a little know-how.
Follow the steps above, and you’ll go from “ignored tenant” to “problem solver” in no time.
And if you’re tired of landlords who don’t deliver, it might be time to upgrade to a place where maintenance issues aren’t your problem.
Click here to check out our listings at Rooms Athens—we’re here to make your Erasmus experience smooth, safe, and stress-free.
