When to Submit a Work Order — and Why Reporting Issues Early Matters

One of the most common questions tenants have is:
“Should I submit a work order for this?”

The short answer is almost always yes — especially if something doesn’t seem right.

At Main Street Property Management, we want our residents to feel comfortable, safe, and confident in their homes. Submitting a work order is not an inconvenience, a complaint, or something that reflects poorly on you as a tenant. In fact, submitting work orders early is one of the best ways you can help protect your home and prevent small issues from turning into big problems.

In this blog, we’ll walk through:

• What a work order is

• When you should submit one

• Why submitting early is so important

• Common myths that stop tenants from reporting issues

• What happens after you submit a request

• How work orders help both tenants and property owners

What Is a Work Order?

A work order (also called a maintenance request) is simply a way to let property management know that something in your home needs attention. It could be something small, like a dripping faucet, or something more urgent, like no heat or a leaking water heater.

Submitting a work order creates a record of the issue, allows our team to prioritize repairs, and helps ensure the problem is addressed correctly and efficiently.

At Main Street Property Management, work orders are submitted through the Tenant Portal, making it easy to report issues anytime — day or night.

When Should You Submit a Work Order?

A good rule of thumb is this:
👉 If you notice something that doesn’t seem normal, submit a work order.

Below are some of the most common situations when a work order should be submitted.

1. Water Leaks — Even Small Ones

Water is one of the most damaging elements in a home. A slow drip under a sink or a small stain on the ceiling might not seem urgent, but over time, it can lead to:

• Mold growth

• Cabinet or flooring damage

• Drywall deterioration

• Structural issues

If you notice:

• Dripping faucets

• Water under sinks

• Wet spots on walls or ceilings

• Toilets that constantly run

Submit a work order as soon as you see it. Early reporting can save major repairs later.

2. Heating or Air Conditioning Issues

If your heater or air conditioner:

• Won’t turn on

• Blows the wrong temperature

• Makes loud or unusual noises

• Shuts off repeatedly

It’s important to report it right away — especially during extreme temperatures. Waiting can strain the system and lead to more costly repairs or complete system failure.

3. Safety-Related Concerns

Anything that affects your safety should be reported immediately.

This includes:

• Broken or malfunctioning locks

• Doors or windows that won’t close properly

• Sparking outlets or exposed wiring

• Smoke or carbon monoxide detectors not working

• Strong electrical or burning smells

Your safety is a priority, and reporting these issues promptly allows us to respond quickly.

4. Appliances Not Working Properly

If an appliance provided with the home stops working or isn’t functioning correctly — such as a refrigerator not cooling or a dishwasher not draining — a work order should be submitted.

Even if the appliance is still partially working, unusual behavior often means something is wrong internally.

5. Strange Sounds or Smells

Homes make normal sounds — but sudden, loud, or unusual noises are often warning signs.

Submit a work order if you notice:

• Banging, grinding, or rattling sounds from HVAC systems

• Buzzing or humming from electrical panels

• Burning plastic or electrical smells

• Persistent sewer or gas-like odors

It’s always better to have something checked than to assume it will go away on its own.

6. Before It Becomes an Emergency

Many maintenance emergencies start as small issues that went unreported.

For example:

• A slow drain becomes a major clog

• A minor leak turns into water damage

• An odd noise becomes a system failure

Submitting a work order early helps us address problems during normal business hours rather than as after-hours emergencies.

Why Submitting a Work Order Early Is So Important

1. Prevents Bigger (and More Expensive) Problems

Small issues are usually easier, faster, and less disruptive to fix. Waiting often means more damage, longer repair times, and more inconvenience for everyone involved.

2. Protects Your Home

Early reporting helps protect the home you live in. Water damage, mold, electrical issues, and HVAC failures can all impact comfort and safety if left unaddressed.

3. Helps Us Respond Faster

When issues are reported promptly and clearly through the Tenant Portal, our team can:

• Assign the correct vendor

• Bring the right tools and parts

• Schedule repairs efficiently

This leads to quicker resolutions and fewer follow-up visits.

4. Creates a Clear Record

Submitting a work order creates documentation of when the issue started and what was reported. This helps ensure transparency and protects both tenants and property owners.

5. It Will NOT Affect Your Lease or Rent

One of the biggest myths is that submitting work orders will:

• Increase rent

• Affect lease renewals

• Cause trouble

This is not true.

Maintenance requests are a normal and expected part of renting. Reporting issues responsibly actually helps maintain the home and reflects positively on tenant care.

Common Reasons Tenants Delay Submitting Work Orders (and Why You Shouldn’t)

“It’s probably not a big deal.”
Small issues often grow into big ones.

“I don’t want to bother anyone.”
Maintenance is part of our job — you’re never bothering us.

“I’ll wait and see if it fixes itself.”
Most mechanical or plumbing issues don’t fix themselves.

“I’m worried it’ll cause problems.”
Early reporting prevents problems, not creates them.

What Happens After You Submit a Work Order?

Once you submit a request through the Tenant Portal:

1. Our team reviews the issue

2. The request is prioritized based on urgency

3. A qualified vendor or technician is assigned

4. You’ll be contacted regarding scheduling, if needed

5. Repairs are completed and documented

Clear descriptions and photos (when possible) help speed up this process.

How Work Orders Help Property Owners, Too

Submitting work orders early doesn’t just help tenants — it also helps property owners by:

• Preserving the value of the home

• Preventing costly repairs

• Supporting preventative maintenance

• Ensuring the property remains safe and compliant

When tenants and property management work together, everyone benefits.

Final Thoughts: When in Doubt, Submit the Work Order

At Main Street Property Management, we want tenants to feel empowered to speak up. If something seems off, unusual, or unsafe — don’t wait.

Submitting a work order early:

• Protects your home

• Keeps small issues small

• Helps us help you faster

• Prevents emergencies

• Creates a safer, more comfortable living environment

If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to submit a request and let our team take it from there.

📲 Log into your Tenant Portal anytime to submit a work order.
We’re here to help keep your home running smoothly.