In our 485 unit coop:

A supply line water leak to a toilet, sink, etc. (e.g.; water is under pressure) takes precedence.

Similarly, the supply or drain to/from a window heating/cooling coil unit system is treated as a high priority with same day repair.

All things being equal, the supply line leaks (sink, toilet, AC/heating unit) are repaired within minutes.

Toilets which do not drain properly are also at the top of the list.

If there are no supply line leaks, then waste pipe leaks are repaired, e.g.: elbow/trap under a sink.

Our maintenance staff repairs window mechanisms and sliding terrace door mechanisms. These are next in priority, unless there is broken glass and a potential hazard to pedestrians or residents.

A fan unit (failure or noisy) within the heating/cooling unit under a window is a lesser priority.

Sink faucet washers are next in priority.

Each apartment door has a mechanical doorbell ringer. These are also lower in priority.

Painting the exterior of a scratched/marred apartment door is scheduled when our house painter can be available.

Items which can cause damage, e.g. water leaks or hazards, are repaired the same day. In some cases we may shut the supply line to a window unit and then effect repairs the next day.

Unless there is a long queue of repairs, repairs are effected in order of receipt and in accordance with the above “priorities”; typically same day. But do note that some repair windows are negotiated with residents for their convenience.

Of course major building mechanical issues are accorded a higher priority but our management office or maintenance office always communicates with the resident.

Our maintenance staff is available from 7 AM to 9 PM, weekdays and 7 AM to 7 PM weekends.

> Join the conversation Comments (2)

Does the maintenance ataff (co-op) charge for these repairs? We're a small co-op and debating what should be fixed for free by our part-time super versus charges for a larger scope of work.

> Join the conversation Comments (1)

For that which the co-op is responsible, e.g.: heating/cooling units in their entirety, the valves on the water supplies that exit the wall before a sink or toilet is attached, windows (normal wear and tear), damaged parquet floors because a building supply line failed, etc.; the co-op does not charge a penny.

For other items, such as standard sink washers, sink waste pipe & elbow, doorbell mechanical device, etc. the cost of the parts is billed to the apartment owner.

For these latter “at cost” repairs, the first thirty minutes time for the maintenance person assigned is free as we wish to encourage folks to obtain repairs sooner rather than later before the problem expands into a major problem.. After thirty minutes, there is a nominal fee, e.g. without profit, for the time the maintenance staff expends in effecting repairs.

Of course, the maintenance staff will not tackle electrical work and other work that requires a licensed craftsman. But they will change a light bulb for a resident.

> Join the conversation

Does the maintenance staff (co-op) charge for these repairs? We're a small co-op and debating what should be fixed for free by our part-time super versus charges for a larger scope of work.

> Join the conversation

As a Resident Manager I make sure all of our work orders are done within the 8hr shift, now being that some work is not the buildings responsibility we have come up ith a system that the building will allow the staff to perform work for the residents. Toilets, sinks, light bulbs and filters should be changed before the shift ends, especially toilets and sinks/faucets since the risk for damage is high to the neighboring apts and the health of the building.

> Join the conversation