The quick answer
Renters can begin with bills, thermostat and comfort records, lighting and device habits, and visible maintenance issues. Do not alter fixed equipment or the building without permission; use clear documentation to ask a landlord or property manager for the right repair or assessment.
1. Start with what you can document
Save bills, identify which utilities you pay, and compare similar months before assuming the apartment or rental house has a single failure. Note room temperatures, drafts, window condition, water leaks, unusual equipment noise, and when the problem is most noticeable.
A concise record is more useful to a landlord than a general complaint. Include dates, photos where appropriate, the thermostat setting, and any safety concern. Do not send private financial details that are not relevant to the maintenance request.
2. Use low-risk, reversible actions first
ENERGY STAR notes that renters can use many low- or no-cost practices without major capital changes. Focus on lights and devices you control, using fans only in occupied rooms, reporting leaking fixtures, and following the lease and equipment instructions.
For portable appliances, avoid overloading outlets, modifying electrical connections, or using unsafe heating methods. If a window unit, water heater, furnace, or other fixed system seems unsafe or defective, report it rather than attempting a repair.
- Ask which rate plan applies and whether the utility offers renter-facing bill or usage tools.
- Keep furniture and belongings from blocking vents, returns, radiators, or required equipment access.
- Request written permission before attaching, sealing, replacing, or permanently changing anything in the unit.
3. Make a specific maintenance request
Describe the symptom and evidence rather than prescribing a repair: for example, a bedroom remains much warmer than the rest of the unit during a particular time of day, or the HVAC system runs unusually long with poor airflow. That gives the property manager a usable starting point.
Electrical, combustion, water intrusion, mold, structural, lead, asbestos, radon, and similar safety concerns can require qualified local help and may have legal or lease implications. Follow local requirements and seek appropriate assistance where needed.
Common questions
Can renters make energy-efficiency changes without permission?
Only use low-risk actions that comply with the lease and product instructions. Get written permission before making permanent changes to fixed equipment, windows, insulation, wiring, plumbing, or the building envelope.
What should a renter include in a high-bill maintenance request?
Include the billing period, room or equipment symptoms, dates and times, thermostat setting where relevant, photos of visible conditions, and whether there are any immediate safety concerns.
Can a renter request an energy assessment?
A renter can ask the property manager about an assessment or inspection, especially when a recurring comfort or operating-cost pattern is documented. The property owner decides what building work is authorized.
Sources and editorial note
This educational guide was published and last updated on September 21, 2026. It cites public primary sources and does not replace a site inspection, professional diagnosis, contractor scope, or safety assessment.