Should I complain about an apartment maintenance worker?

Question

This morning I called my apartment complex's 'emergency maintenance' service which would supposedly have a maintenance technician come out for emergency work. It is going to be 105 degrees Fahrenheit today and my air conditioning unit isn't working in my apartment. This is the third time this has happened since I moved in.

Well the maintenance tech called me back and got really smart with me. He said that he doesn't have anymore freon and wouldn't be able to come out until tomorrow. Okay cool I understand that but it was the manner in how he said it. Not to mention that while I was talking he hung the phone up in my face. Should I call him back or complain to the rental office? This was the first time that 'emergency maintenance' ever called back for an emergency and he had the nerve to get smart. If an apartment complex promises emergency maintenance then they should abide by that. That includes cases extra freon, especially during the summer.

I hope I don't die from heat stroke.

Answer 1

Dear Mimi, With the heat wave we all are having lately, he has probably used up any supplies of freon he had. And freon is not the easiest product to get a hold of. The  supplier for him has most likely had a lot of sales due to the heat wave, and so has most of the US. This stuff has to be ordered and takes a little time to get. Have a little patience, at least he said he'd be there tomorrow. As for him being sarcastic, he's probably getting a lot of calls for the same thing, so he's probably getting a little on edge from all the a/c calls. I wouldn't report him since this was his first time talking to you like this. Just mention to him, nicely, and he'll probably apologize and explain it to you. But on the other hand, if you report him, you may get on the bottom of the list for repairs, and that's not good. I'm a property manager for a private marina and vacation rental co., and there's one lady here who is a total b***ch, and she's friends with my boss lady, but I can still justify her "waiting" for me to do service calls for her. Be nice, and I'm sure he'll understand your situation.

Answer 2

Would you be happier, if the technician came to your apartment, spent few minutes pretending to do something and told you they are out of freon.

Looks like he might be in trouble for being honest.

Well this is the life.

Answer 3

HVAC Tech.: YES! you should complain to the rental office. As for the tech.he CANNOT KNOW the problem is lack of refrigerant without running certain test. There is NEVER a reason to be disrespectful to the tenants who pay your wages. Keeping them happy is JOB ONE!!!

Answer 4

As much as I want to say string him up,I can't.

If the temps were hitting that he may have been toasted too.I bet he had so many calls frustration kicked in.

I have been guilty of that

My Best

Answer 5

You should call as soon as you can and explain how you where treated, That is a SERVICE and if the tech is acting that way to residents he should be looking for a new job, cause I would fire him on the spot for talking to one of my custmers like that. He is there for the residents needs when it involes their HOMES. he is getting a pay check to provide service, and as for the Feon, I am sure he could of call their local supplier and he could have gotten what he needed to get the job done for you, Like I said if I was his Boss he would be gone. I don't know what your age is but an elderly person could shuffer heat stroke in those temps. Call and complain that's what part of your rent goes for to service the residents.

www.frankawitz.net

Answer 6

Definitely, I would tell someone.  I am sure you pay good money for where you are staying and in that money you pay, if there was an "emergency maintenance service" then that is what you should get.  The lazy worker probably was sitting in front of his own air conditioner and just didn't want to come out.  Freon or not, he should get his butt over to your apt and help in any way he can.  I think the people you complain to would be happy to know how this man is because they are also paying him to sit around and be on call, I'm sure and if he's not doing his job I highly doubt he would be difficult to replace.

Answer 7

get the techs name and yes call the office they should be able to throw a window unit in if they are out of freon.

and if the tech didnt even come out to look thats bullshit because theres a million reason why an a/c dont work, low on freon is just one of them.

If you wanna get the guy fired call the corporate office and complain on him.

No matter how pissed or how ever many calls Im doing I always show up. And running out of freon isnt always an excuse when we run out of freon we use the recovered freon from the recovery tank, 80% of properties let the atmosphere recover the freon though

Answer 8

well, regardless of the frustration that the tech may have (high call volume,leaks etc...) he shouldnt speak to you unprofessionaly!!!!!!!! and as far as being out of freom...that happens for a lot of reasons including but not limited to.. high call volume, distributers not paid by the corperate office(that happens at my job alot) and or at this time of year freon is a hot item and could be on back order!! so dont jump on the mntnc team so quick  if they say they are out of freon!!!!!! and really... A/c unlike heat... is a luxery not a right!!! so if they are even atempting a/c emergancies (which most places dont) be thankful!!!

Answer 9

Sounds like his air conditioner is broken too :)