For tenants.

Before you send a repair request.

Many problems have a fix that takes a few minutes. Find yours below and try the steps. If they do not work, send the request and tell us what you tried.

Smoke detector

It does not work when tested

Test it with an approved smoke detector test spray, and replace the battery.

It beeps

Replace the battery and check that the wires are connected properly. If it still beeps, send a repair request right away.

Power, plugs and switches

No power to plugs or switches

Check the breaker panel and reset any tripped breaker, or replace blown fuses. Reset every GFI outlet. They are in the kitchen, bathrooms, utility rooms and garage. Check whether the plug is controlled by a wall switch.

Garbage disposal

It does not work

Turn it on and listen. If there is no buzz, press the reset button on the bottom of the disposal and try again. If it buzzes, it is jammed. Turn it off and unplug it from the wall. Put a 1/4 inch Allen wrench in the socket at the center of the bottom and twist it back and forth to free the jam. Take out whatever was stuck, plug it back in and test. Repeat until it is clear.

Water and plumbing

No hot water

Check that the thermostat on the water heater is set to the right temperature and is not set to “vacation”. Reset the breaker in the power panel, and press the reset button next to the thermostat. If the water heater is gas, check the pilot light.

The hot water is too hot

Turn down the thermostat on the tank.

A pipe or fixture leaks

Turn off the fixture and the water supply line to it, then call us right away at 208-247-2953.

The toilet is clogged

Plunge it and test. Repeat as needed.

Heating and air conditioning

No heat

Check the thermostat. It may need a new battery. Check that the furnace covers are on properly. Find the switch in or near the furnace room that looks like an ordinary light switch, and make sure it is on. Check that the utility is paid and connected.

No air conditioning

Check all the circuit breakers. Clean or replace the filter and test again. Check the battery in the thermostat.

Filters are the resident's job

Residents check and replace furnace filters at least every three months. If the filter is dirty or missing, the resident is charged for the heating and cooling repair.

Dishwasher

It will not drain

Clean the food out of the bottom of the dishwasher.

It does not clean the dishes

Do not run the garbage disposal while the dishwasher is running, and do not use liquid or gel detergent. Rinse dishes before loading them. Clean out the bottom of the dishwasher, looking for food and plastic. Then run it with no soap and a cup of vinegar for several cycles.

It grinds, or no water comes in

If there is no water in the bottom, turn it off, pour in two large glasses of water and start it again. Run it with no soap and a cup of vinegar to clear any soap blocking the pump. If the problem continues, stop using it and tell us.

Refrigerator

It is too warm or too cold

Check that the thermostat inside the refrigerator is set correctly. In very hot weather, in a home without air conditioning, a refrigerator can have trouble keeping up.

Water drips from the freezer into the refrigerator

Move the food to a cooler. Turn the refrigerator off and let it defrost. Turn it back on and put the food back.