Repairs & Maintenance
Use these phrases to report a maintenance issue to your landlord and arrange a time for repairs.
Key Phrases
La lavadora va mal.
casualThe washing machine is acting up.
Use 'ir mal' (or 'andar mal' in Latin America) when something is malfunctioning but not completely broken.
La lavadora no funciona.
neutralThe washing machine doesn't work.
The most direct and common way to report a completely broken appliance.
Tenemos un problema con la lavadora.
politeWe have a problem with the washing machine.
A softer, less direct way to open the conversation with your landlord.
El grifo del baño está roto.
neutralThe bathroom tap is broken.
Use 'estar roto' for physical damage. In Latin America, 'la llave' is often used instead of 'el grifo'.
No tenemos agua caliente en casa.
neutralWe don't have hot water at home.
¿Cuándo puedes arreglar la puerta?
casualWhen can you fix the door?
Uses informal 'tú'. Appropriate if you have a friendly, casual relationship with your landlord.
¿Puede mandar a un técnico, por favor?
politeCan you send a technician, please?
Uses formal 'usted'. Safer for most professional rental situations.
¿Cuándo va a venir el técnico?
neutralWhen is the technician going to come?
Uses the A2 future structure 'ir a' + infinitive.
¿Vas a venir hoy o mañana?
casualAre you going to come today or tomorrow?
Voy a estar en casa todo el día.
neutralI am going to be home all day.
Puede entrar con su llave.
politeYou can enter with your key.
Very useful if the landlord needs to fix something while you are at work.