Things break in every home—even well-cared-for ones. When that happens in your Midland rental, you shouldn’t have to guess who to call, what counts as an emergency, or how long repairs will take.
This guide walks you through how to submit a Midland rental maintenance request, what to expect after you hit “submit,” and which issues are true emergencies in rental maintenance in Midland, MI. Bookmark it now so you have it handy the next time something comes up—and remember you can always use our Request Maintenance page to get help quickly.
- Why Maintenance Requests Matter
- How to Submit a Maintenance Request
- What Counts as an Emergency (and What Doesn’t)
- What to Expect After You Submit a Request
- Preparing for a Maintenance Visit
- How We Prioritize Repairs & Typical Response Times
- Tenant Tips to Prevent Common Issues
- After-Hours & Weekend Emergencies
- Safety First: When to Call 911
- Maintenance FAQ for Midland Rentals Tenants
- Quick Reference: Maintenance Request Cheat Sheet
Why Maintenance Requests Matter
Protecting Your Home & Your Comfort
A well-maintained home is more comfortable, safer, and easier to live in. When you report issues early, you help us:
- Fix small problems before they become major repairs
- Protect your belongings from damage (especially when water is involved)
- Keep heating, cooling, plumbing, and appliances working the way they should
Even something that feels “minor”—like a slow drip under the sink—can turn into a bigger problem if it’s left alone. Submitting a quick Midland rental maintenance request is always better than hoping it will fix itself.
Protecting Your Security Deposit
Reporting problems promptly also helps protect your security deposit at move-out. If there’s damage we never knew about, it’s harder to tell whether it was caused by normal wear and tear or by neglect. When you let us know about issues along the way, everything is documented and easier to sort out later.
How Midland Rentals Handles Property Care
We’re not just here to collect rent—property care is a big part of what you pay for. Midland Rentals:
- Uses licensed, insured vendors when needed (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.)
- Tracks maintenance through an online system so nothing gets “lost”
- Prioritizes issues based on safety, urgency, and the potential for property damage
The result: fair, consistent maintenance for all tenants, across all of our homes and duplexes.
How to Submit a Maintenance Request
Submitting your request the right way helps us respond faster and keeps everything documented.
Use the Online Request Maintenance Page (Preferred)
The fastest and most reliable way to get help is to use our Request Maintenance page on rentmid.com.
Here’s what to do:
- Go to the Request Maintenance page on our website.
- Enter your name, phone number, email, and rental address (including unit, if applicable).
- Choose your preferred contact method (phone, text, or email).
- Describe the issue in detail:
- What is happening?
- Where is it happening? (room, specific fixture, appliance, etc.)
- When did it start? Is it getting worse?
- Upload photos or a short video if you can. Seeing the issue often helps us diagnose it before we arrive.
Online requests are time-stamped and tracked, which means we can prioritize fairly and avoid miscommunication.
What Information to Include So We Can Help Faster
A detailed description can shave a lot of time off the repair. When you submit your rental maintenance request in Midland, MI, please include:
- Exact location: “Upstairs hall bathroom sink,” not just “bathroom.”
- Timeline: When did you first notice the issue? Is it constant or intermittent?
- Details: Any sounds, smells, error codes, or flashing lights (especially for HVAC and appliances).
- Water issues:
- Where is the water coming from?
- Is it dripping, leaking steadily, or actively flooding?
- Have you shut off any valves or the main water supply?
The more we know upfront, the better we can send the right person with the right tools and parts.
Alternate Ways to Request Maintenance (Non-Emergency)
If you truly can’t access the website:
- Call the office during business hours (see your lease or our Contact page for the current number).
- If you reach voicemail, leave a clear message with:
- Your full name
- Rental address
- Best call-back number
- A brief description of the issue
We still strongly recommend using the online Request Maintenance form whenever possible, because it provides a written record for both you and us.
What Counts as an Emergency (and What Doesn’t)
One of the most common questions in rental maintenance is: “Is this an emergency?” Here’s how we define it.
True Emergency Situations – Call Immediately
An emergency is any situation that:
- Puts you or others in danger
- Risks major property damage
- Involves essential services (especially heat in winter)
Examples of true emergencies:
- Active flooding from a burst pipe, major leak, or overflowing water that won’t stop
- No heat during freezing temperatures
- Smell of gas or suspected gas leak
- Electrical sparks, smoke, or burning smells from outlets or panels
- Sewer backup or an overflowing toilet when you have no other working toilet in the home
- Broken exterior door or ground-floor window that prevents you from securing the property
For these issues, follow the steps in your lease or welcome packet for emergency maintenance—and see the sections below on after-hours emergencies and calling 911.
Urgent but Not 911-Level Emergencies
Some problems feel like emergencies (and are urgent), but they don’t require calling 911. They still need quick attention:
- No hot water
- Partial power outage that isn’t solved by resetting a breaker
- Refrigerator or freezer not cooling
- A toilet that’s clogged but you have another working bathroom
These should be reported right away, either through the Request Maintenance page (marked as “urgent” if that option is available) or by calling the office. We do our best to respond same-day or next-day when possible.
Routine / Non-Emergency Maintenance Examples
Many issues can be handled through normal scheduling during business hours. Examples include:
- Dripping faucet
- Running toilet that still flushes
- Loose cabinet door or drawer
- Minor drywall cracks or nail pops
- Slow drain that is still draining
- Interior doors that stick or don’t latch well
- Appliance issues where the appliance is still mostly usable
These are best submitted online as routine maintenance requests. They’re important and will be addressed, but they don’t require a middle-of-the-night call.
Quick “Is This an Emergency?” Checklist
Ask yourself:
- Is anyone’s safety at risk right now?
- Is there active water or structural damage happening?
- Can I safely stay in the home overnight?
If you answer “yes” to the first two questions, treat it as an emergency.
If everything is safe and you can get through the night, it’s usually a non-emergency maintenance request.
What to Expect After You Submit a Request
Knowing what happens next can take a lot of stress out of the process.
Confirmation & Initial Review
Once you submit your request online:
- You’ll see a confirmation message, and in many cases, receive a confirmation email.
- Our team reviews maintenance requests during business hours and assigns a priority level (emergency, urgent, or routine).
How We Decide Who Comes Out
Depending on the issue, we may:
- Send an in-house maintenance technician, or
- Schedule a licensed vendor (HVAC tech, plumber, electrician, etc.)
Matching the right person to the job helps get the repair done correctly the first time.
Scheduling & Access
We’ll reach out using your preferred contact method to:
- Offer appointment windows
- Confirm whether you’ll be home
- Ask for permission to enter with a key or lockbox if needed
For non-emergency visits, Midland Rentals will always follow legal notice requirements before entering your home, unless you specifically request or approve faster access.
If Parts Need to Be Ordered
Some repairs require special-order parts or multiple visits. In those cases:
- The technician will explain what’s needed.
- Our team will update you with an estimated timeline.
- We’ll schedule a follow-up visit once parts arrive.
If the issue affects essential services (like heat in winter), we’ll work with you to find safe, temporary solutions whenever possible.
Preparing for a Maintenance Visit
A little prep on your end can make the visit faster, safer, and more comfortable.
Clear Access to the Work Area
Before your appointment:
- Move furniture, rugs, and personal items away from the area where work is needed.
- Pick up clutter so the technician has a clear path.
- If the issue is under a sink or around an appliance, empty the cabinet or surrounding area.
This helps the tech start working right away and reduces the risk of damage to your belongings.
Pets, Kids, and Parking
For everyone’s safety:
- Secure pets in a separate room or crate before the technician arrives.
- Keep children away from tools and work areas.
- If possible, provide accessible parking or make sure your driveway isn’t blocked.
Communication During and After the Visit
When the technician arrives:
- Be ready to describe what you’ve noticed, when it happens, and any troubleshooting you’ve already tried.
- After the repair, test the system or appliance as directed. If something still doesn’t seem right, let us know right away so we can follow up.
How We Prioritize Repairs & Typical Response Times
We know it’s frustrating to wait when something isn’t working. Here’s how we prioritize.
Priority Levels Explained
While exact timelines can vary, we generally use these guidelines:
- Emergency: Respond as quickly as possible; typically same-day, often immediately.
- Urgent: Aims for service within about 24 hours, depending on vendor availability.
- Routine: Typically addressed within a few business days.
Weather, vendor workload, and parts availability can all affect timing, but we always prioritize safety and property protection first.
Seasonal Considerations in Midland, MI
In Michigan, some issues jump to the top of the list during certain seasons—for example:
- Heat outages in winter
- Frozen or burst pipes
- Storm-related roof leaks
We may need to prioritize these over less urgent repairs in order to keep everyone safe and prevent major damage.
Holidays & Weekends
Non-emergency requests submitted after business hours, on weekends, or on holidays:
- Are still logged by our system
- Are typically reviewed the next business day
- Will be scheduled based on priority and order received
For true emergencies, always follow the after-hours emergency instructions in your lease or welcome packet.
Tenant Tips to Prevent Common Issues
Good maintenance is a team effort. Here are practical ways to avoid common problems.
Plumbing & Water
- Don’t flush wipes, feminine products, paper towels, or other items that can clog pipes.
- Use drain strainers in showers and sinks to catch hair and food scraps.
- Report small leaks, damp spots, or ceilings that look discolored or “bubbly” right away.
Heating, Cooling & Air Quality
- Follow the recommended schedule for changing furnace filters (check your lease to see whether that’s your responsibility or ours).
- Keep vents open and unblocked by furniture or rugs.
- In winter, avoid turning the thermostat too low when you leave—this can increase the risk of frozen pipes.
Appliances
- Don’t overload washing machines or dryers; always clean the lint trap.
- Scrape dishes before loading the dishwasher to avoid clogs.
- If an appliance starts making strange noises or error codes, stop using it and submit a maintenance request instead of trying to force it.
General Home Care
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and let us know immediately if they’re chirping or not working.
- Keep an eye on windows and doors; report drafts, sticking, or broken locks.
- Alert us to any pest activity early—ants, mice, etc. are much easier to handle when caught quickly.
After-Hours & Weekend Emergencies
Sometimes problems don’t wait for business hours.
Who to Call & How
For after-hours emergencies, follow the instructions in your lease or welcome packet. Typically, this will include:
- An after-hours emergency maintenance number to call or text
- Directions on what information to provide (name, address, nature of emergency, callback number)
If you’re not sure whether something qualifies, call anyway and explain the situation—our on-call team can help you decide the next step.
What We Do After Hours
When you report an emergency after hours:
- An on-call technician or vendor will evaluate the issue based on your description.
- If it’s a true emergency, we’ll dispatch help as quickly as possible.
- If it’s not an emergency, we may schedule service for the next business day and explain why.
What Not to Do in an Emergency
- Don’t try to make electrical or gas repairs yourself.
- Don’t ignore active leaks or strange gas/electrical smells.
- Don’t wait until morning to report serious issues—if you’re worried, reach out.
Safety First: When to Call 911
We take maintenance seriously, but we are not a replacement for emergency services.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 first, then notify Midland Rentals when it’s safe to do so.
Call 911 for:
- Fire, smoke, or explosion
- Suspected gas leak with strong odor
- Domestic violence or criminal activity
- Medical emergencies or injuries
Once emergency responders have secured the situation, contact us so we can address any property damage and coordinate necessary repairs.
Maintenance FAQ for Midland Rentals Tenants
How do I submit a Midland rental maintenance request?
Use our Request Maintenance page on rentmid.com for the fastest response. Fill out your contact info, address, detailed description, and attach photos or video if possible.
What is considered an emergency maintenance issue?
Anything that threatens life, safety, or major property damage—such as no heat in freezing temperatures, active flooding, a gas smell, electrical sparks/smoke, or a sewer backup with no working toilets.
How quickly will someone come out to my rental in Midland, MI?
Emergencies are handled as quickly as possible. Urgent issues are typically addressed within about 24 hours, and routine issues are usually scheduled within a few business days, depending on vendor availability and parts.
Do I have to be home for maintenance visits?
In many cases, no. With your permission, our team or vendors can enter using a key or lockbox. For safety and convenience, we’ll coordinate this with you in advance whenever possible.
Can I hire my own contractor and bill Midland Rentals?
Generally, no. All repairs must be approved and coordinated through Midland Rentals. Unauthorized repairs may not be reimbursed—always submit a maintenance request first.
What if I cause accidental damage—should I still submit a request?
Yes. Accidents happen. The most important thing is to let us know right away, especially if water or safety is involved. We’ll work through responsibility and any costs separately.
Will maintenance staff give notice before entering my home?
For non-emergency visits, yes. We follow legal notice requirements and will communicate with you about scheduled entry. In emergencies, we may need to enter quickly to protect people and property.
Who handles lawn care and snow removal?
This varies by property. Check your lease or welcome packet for details, or refer to our separate Tenant vs. Landlord Maintenance Responsibilities guide for more information.
Quick Reference: Maintenance Request Cheat Sheet
You can use this as your “at-a-glance” guide:
- Non-Emergency Issue?
→ Submit online via the Request Maintenance page (preferred). - Urgent but Not Life-Threatening?
→ Submit online and mark as urgent (if available) and/or call the office. - After-Hours Emergency?
→ Call the after-hours emergency maintenance number listed in your lease. - Life-Threatening Emergency?
→ Call 911 immediately, then contact Midland Rentals. - Want Faster Service?
→ Include clear photos/video, a detailed description, and your preferred contact times in your request.
- → Include clear photos/video, a detailed description, and your preferred contact times in your request.
By using the maintenance process outlined here, you help us keep your home safe, comfortable, and well cared for—all year long.
When something comes up, don’t wait or wonder. Submit a maintenance request now through our Request Maintenance page, and let Midland Rentals take it from there.
