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Maintenance Troubleshooting

At DFW Rent Houses, we want to make sure that all of our tenants in Arlington, TX, and surrounding areas enjoy a comfortable and functional home. Our maintenance team is here to help when something goes wrong—but many common problems can be quickly resolved with a few simple steps. Before submitting a maintenance request, we recommend trying the following troubleshooting tips for frequently reported issues.

If the problem continues after trying the steps below, please submit a request through your tenant portal or contact our office.

Electrical Problems

Power Out in One Room or Area

  • Check the breaker box (usually located in the garage, closet, or outside panel). Look for any breakers that are flipped to the “off” position or stuck in the middle, then switch them off and back on.
  • If a GFCI outlet (with test/reset buttons) is present, press the reset button. These outlets are usually found in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms and may control multiple outlets nearby.

No Power in Entire Unit

  • Make sure your electric bill is paid and your service is active with the utility provider.
  • Call the electric company to see if there’s a power outage in the area.
  • If there’s still no power, report it immediately through your portal or emergency line if it’s after hours.

Plumbing Issues

Clogged Toilet

  • Use a plunger with firm pressure for 10–15 seconds. Be sure there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger.
  • Do not flush repeatedly if it’s already clogged—this may cause overflow.
  • If plunging doesn’t work after several tries, submit a request. Please note: if the clog is caused by tenant misuse (wipes, feminine products, toys, etc.), the repair cost may be billed to you.

Clogged Sink or Shower

  • Remove visible hair or debris from the drain.
  • Try pouring boiling water or a mix of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water.
  • Avoid using chemical drain cleaners like Drano, which can damage pipes.
  • If the clog remains, submit a request with details about what you’ve tried.

Leaking Faucet or Pipe

  • Place a bucket or towel under the leak to prevent damage.
  • Report it through your tenant portal as soon as possible.
  • If the leak is actively flooding the area, turn off the water supply and call our emergency line.

HVAC Troubles

No Heat or A/C

  • Check the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to the correct mode (heat or cool) and temperature. Replace batteries if it’s not turning on.
  • Check the circuit breaker and reset the system if necessary.
  • Make sure all vents are open and not blocked by furniture.
  • If it’s an HVAC issue during extreme weather (no heat in winter or no A/C in summer), this may qualify as an emergency—call our emergency maintenance line.

Low Airflow

  • Check and replace the air filter if it’s clogged or dirty. Dirty filters are one of the most common causes of airflow problems.
  • Make sure return vents and supply vents are not obstructed.

Appliances

Dishwasher Not Draining

  • Run garbage disposal to make sure the drain line is clear.
  • Check and clean the filter trap at the bottom of the dishwasher.
  • Do not overload or block the spray arms.
  • If the issue persists, submit a request with any error codes shown.

Refrigerator Not Cooling

  • Make sure the temperature dial is set properly.
  • Don’t overcrowd shelves; this blocks air circulation.
  • Clean dust from coils if accessible.
  • If it’s not cooling after 12–24 hours of troubleshooting, submit a request.

Washer/Dryer Not Running

  • Check that the door is fully closed and latched.
  • Make sure circuit breakers haven’t tripped.
  • For dryers, clean the lint trap before every cycle.
  • Do not overload machines.

Water Heater Problems

No Hot Water

  • Electric water heaters: Check the breaker box and reset if needed.
  • Gas water heaters: Make sure the pilot light is lit (don’t attempt to relight it unless you’re comfortable doing so).
  • If you’ve just moved in, wait a few hours—it can take time for the tank to refill and heat up after long gaps in use.

Pest Control

Seeing Insects or Rodents

  • Keep food sealed and trash covered.
  • Clean up crumbs and spills right away.
  • Report any sightings of roaches, ants, rodents, or other pests promptly.
  • Routine pest control is provided for most properties, but tenants are responsible for day-to-day cleanliness.

Smoke or CO Detectors

Beeping or Chirping

  • Replace the batteries. Most detectors use a 9-volt or AA battery.
  • Test the unit using the “Test” button after replacing batteries.
  • If the alarm continues to beep after changing batteries, submit a request for replacement.

Lock and Key Issues

Locked Out

  • During business hours, call our office for guidance.
  • After hours, you may need to contact a local locksmith at your own expense unless it’s caused by a broken lock (not user error).
  • If a key breaks off in a lock or the lock fails, submit a maintenance request right away.

Still Need Help?

If you’ve followed the above troubleshooting steps and the issue isn’t resolved, or you’re unsure how to proceed, please log into your tenant portal and submit a maintenance request. Include a detailed description of the issue, what you’ve tried, and any photos if available.

For true emergencies, such as major leaks, no heat or A/C in extreme weather, or anything posing a safety risk, call our 24/7 emergency line immediately.

At DFW Rent Houses, we’re committed to responsive maintenance and helping you feel at home. Starting with a few quick checks can often save you time and help us resolve the issue faster. Let’s work together to keep your home safe, functional, and comfortable.