How do I report a defect in my flat?
Report the defect as quickly as possible, with photos and a short description. The more precise the details, the faster the help.
You should report a defect in your flat as quickly as possible, so that it does not grow. It is best to give a short description, photos and the location of the defect. The more precise the details, the faster the manager can organise the right help.
What belongs in the report
Description and photos
Describe briefly what has happened and since when. Photos help enormously in assessing the defect before anyone comes out. That way the right trade can be instructed straight away.
When you can be reached
Say when you can be reached and whether it is urgent. With acute dangers such as escaping water, every minute counts.
A defect reported early is usually a small defect. Waiting makes it more expensive.
Why reporting quickly saves money
Small defects stay small if they are reported early. A dripping connection or a small damp patch can be put right quickly if it is noticed at once. Anyone who waits risks a small problem becoming a large, expensive one – to walls, floors or neighbouring flats. So the rule is: better to report once too often than once too late. Tenants suffer no disadvantage from this; on the contrary, they protect themselves against arguments about late reporting. We take every report seriously, react quickly and make sure small defects never become large ones.
What happens after the report
On receipt, the manager assesses the defect, establishes responsibility and instructs a dependable trade partner. With larger damage it is established whether an insurance policy covers it. Who pays for damage in a rented flat is explained in Who pays for damage in a rented flat?. With escaping water, Water damage in the flat: what to do? helps.
How we support you
We take defect reports in a structured way, coordinate local trades and keep you informed. That turns an annoyance into an orderly process with one fixed point of contact. How a defect report works with us is shown in How does a property manager handle a defect?. We have looked after properties in Graz and the surrounding area since 1988.