Common Maintenance Issues

1. DO NOT flush the toilet if it is not draining or if the bowl is full, this can cause an overflow and water damage.
2. If there is a foreign object in the toilet that can be easily removed, do so.
3. Use a plunger to free up the clog. If it doesn't drain the first time, let it sit for 30 minutes and try plunging again.
4. If plunging does not work, call Island View Properties directly if you cannot use the toilet/shower/tub or if it is overflowing or flooding.
5. Per your lease, do not use chemical drain cleaners. Frequent use of chemical drain cleaners can damage the plumbing and cause further problems.
6. Note: For shower/tub drains make sure there is a screen over the drain to catch hair, and clean that screen regularly to minimize drain clogs.
7. Note: Do not flush tampons, paper towels, etc. down the toilet. Paper items other than toilet paper will not dissolve and can get stuck in the plumbing. This can cost you later when a plumber has to come out to clear the drain line.

1. Per your lease, we do not treat the ants for you.
2. Clean up any food or water sources where the ants are present. They are likely there because you are providing them with food and/or drink.
3. It is common for ants to move in with you in July. Use a recommended product (listed below) and give them some time to go back outside. Be careful to keep all food closed up and put away, trash contained and taken out daily, and counters clean. They will eventually go away.
4. Rain outside can also mean that ants travel inside. If you put out bait for them to take back to the nest and clean up the ants when you find them, they should go back outside.
5. We do not recommend the use of chemical spray products. Use ant bait such as Terro or Grant's ant stakes to discourage the ants.

1. If more than the occasional spider appears, it may be that your house has become an appealing habitat.
2. Spiders like dusty, undisturbed quarters that seldom see a broom, dust mop or vacuum.
3. The corners of ceilings and floors, underneath beds, behind furniture, the backs of closets, and rarely used cupboards are all prime areas for a spider to take up residence.
4. Cardboard boxes attract spiders, so opt for plastic storage tubs.
5. Clean cobwebs from ceilings and behind furniture.
6. Cleaning regularly will discourage spiders from living inside your residence.

1. Check/change the light bulb.
2. Check all nearby light switches as many of our units have one or more outlets that are controlled by a nearby wall switch.
3. If the outlet is in your bathroom or kitchen, check that the GFI does not need to be reset. Push the reset button on the outlet.
4. Check the breaker box to confirm that no breakers are tripped. You can confirm for sure by flipping the breaker off and then flipping it firmly back on.
5. If none of the above steps resolve the issue use the Non-Emergency Maintenance / Repair Request form to let us know of the issue so that we can take appropriate action.
6. If the power is out completely, contact your electricity provider.

1. Replace the batteries in the detector.

2. If beeping continues, be sure batteries installed are new and working. 

1. Make sure the door is closed completely and that nothing is or was keeping it from closing.
2. Make sure the refrigerator/freezer is not overloaded. A packed refrigerator/freezer may not cool well. It needs space inside for circulation of cold air.
3. The freezer may need to be defrosted if there is noticeable ice build up inside, or if you have allowed ice build up by leaving the door open. You are responsible for defrosting your freezer.

1. Make sure the door is closed completely and that nothing is or was keeping it from closing.
2. Make sure the refrigerator/freezer is not overloaded. A packed refrigerator/freezer may not cool well. It needs space inside for circulation of cold air.
3. The freezer may need to be defrosted if there is noticeable ice build up inside, or if you have allowed ice build up by leaving the door open. You are responsible for defrosting your freezer.

1. This is usually caused by a jammed coin slot or full coin box. Please use the Repair Request form to let us know of the issue so that we can take appropriate action.
2. If the machine stops when there are clothes in the washer, it is most likely because the washer has gone out of balance due to being over or under loaded. Wait for the machine to stop completely and you should be able to open the door to add/remove clothes and then restart the washer. You may have to cancel the cycle in order to open the washer door.

1. Call the Gas Company.
2. The Gas Company will check and service all gas appliances, and it's free.
3. If the Gas Company cannot resolve the problem, or leaves a 'red tag' on your gas appliance call our office to let us know of the issue so that we can take appropriate action.

1. Call the Gas Company.
2. The Gas Company will check and service all gas appliances, and it's free.
3. If the Gas Company cannot resolve the problem, or leaves a 'red tag' on your gas appliance call our office to let us know of the issue so that we can take appropriate action.

1. Call the Gas Company.
2. The Gas Company will check and service all gas appliances, and it's free.
3. If the Gas Company cannot resolve the problem, or leaves a 'red tag' on your gas appliance call our office to let us know of the issue so that we can take appropriate action.

1. Call the Gas Company.
2. The Gas Company will check and service all gas appliances, and it's free.
3. If the Gas Company cannot resolve the problem, or leaves a 'red tag' on your gas appliance call our office to let us know of the issue so that we can take appropriate action.

1. Mold/mildew spores are present at all times in the air around you. Mold/mildew will take hold and grow where there is moisture present. Most conditions that cause mold/mildew growth are condtions that are under your control.
2. Regular sources of moisture in the residence are from hot water use, and from the natural moisture produced by you and your roomates when breathing in closed bedrooms.
3. Always open the window and/or use the ventilation fan in the bathroom when showering or bathing. Leave the door and window open and/or let the fan run for a few minutes after you're done to clear out as much moisture/steam as possible.
4. In bedrooms, keep doors and windows open for ventilation when possible, position furniture (especially beds) at least 2 inches away from walls to allow air flow between the wall and the furniture. Change, wash and dry your bedding, towels and clothing regularly and frequently. Don't leave damp items such as towels or bathing suits in your bedroom or inside closets.
5. Heaters, fans, and/or dehumidifiers can also be used to reduce moisture.
6. Clean up any condensation or moisture as soon as you see it. Do not leave surfaces wet.
7. Clean up any mold/mildew as soon as you see it using cleaning products recommended for that purpose, and follow the above steps to reduce the likelhood of it coming back.
8. In some instances mold/mildew can be caused by water intrusion from a roof or plumbing leak. Please call the Island View Properties office immediately if you suspect that is the case.

Here is some information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency regarding mold.