B1English

Repairs & Maintenance

Use these phrases to report problems in your home and ask your landlord or property manager for repairs.

Key Phrases

Voice
Reporting a problem

I'm calling because we have a problem in the apartment.

neutral

A clear, polite way to start a phone call with your landlord.

Reporting a leak · 2 ways to say it

The faucet in the bathroom is leaking.

neutral

US English.

The tap in the bathroom is leaking.

neutral

UK English.

Reporting a broken appliance · 2 ways to say it

The heating has stopped working completely.

neutral

The heater won't turn on.

casual

More conversational.

Reporting a broken lock

The lock on the front door is broken.

neutral
Requesting a repair · 3 ways to say it

Can you get someone to look at it?

casual

Good for text messages or friendly landlords.

Could you send someone to fix it, please?

neutral

Would it be possible to send a maintenance worker soon?

polite

Best for formal emails to a property management company.

Stressing urgency · 2 ways to say it

It's a bit of an emergency.

casual

This is quite urgent, as we have no hot water.

neutral
Asking about schedule · 2 ways to say it

When do you think someone can come over?

casual

How soon will a repair person be available?

neutral
Granting access · 2 ways to say it

I won't be home, but you can use your keys.

casual

You have my permission to enter the apartment if I'm out.

polite
Following up

I just wanted to check if the plumber is still coming today.

neutral

Use this if nobody has arrived yet.

Practice Dialogue

Tenant
Hi, this is Mark from apartment 3A. I'm calling because we have a problem.
Property Manager
Hi Mark. What seems to be the issue today?
Tenant
The faucet in the bathroom is leaking, and water is going everywhere.
Property Manager
I see. I will call the plumber right now. Are you at home?
Tenant
Yes, but I have to leave for work soon. When do you think he can come over?
Property Manager
He usually arrives within an hour. If you leave, he can use our master key.
Tenant
That's fine. You have my permission to enter if I'm out.
Property Manager
Great, I'll set that up. Thanks for letting us know.

More Renting & Housing (B1)

← All English survival phrases