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, submit a repair if you cannot use the toilet/shower/tub or if it is overflowing or flooding.
5. Do not use chemical drain cleaners. Frequent use of chemical drain cleaners can damage the plumbing and cause further problems.
6. 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. Do not flush tampons, paper towels, qtips,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. IVP does 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 an ant treatment 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.

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 submit a repair request to let us know of the issue so that we can take appropriate action.
6. If the power is out completely, contact Southern California Edison. 

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. If you have coin-operated machines, please contact the email address or phone number posted for maintenance in your laundry room. 

2. If you have laundry hook ups (your own machines) you are responsible for maintenance and repair of your machines.

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 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 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 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 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 in the bathroom when showering or bathing. Leave the door and window open  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. Clean up any condensation or moisture as soon as you see it. Do not leave surfaces wet.
6. 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.
7. In some instances mold/mildew can be caused by water intrusion from a roof or plumbing leak. Contact IVP immediately if you suspect that is the case.