How to report a damage so it gets fixed faster

The first principle is specificity. “The roof leaks” and “the roof leaks above stairwell 4, on the 5th floor landing, a stain about a metre wide, started after Sunday’s rain” are two completely different reports. The second one gets solved faster.

A formula that works. Where, what, when it started, whether it’s getting worse, and when you can let someone in.

Add a photo. One picture can save a site visit and shorten the timeline.

State access. If someone needs to get into your flat or the basement, say when you’re home and how to reach you.

Choose the right channel. For an emergency, call. For everything else, put it in writing so there’s a record.

What not to do. Don’t send the same report through five channels at once. That creates duplication, not speed.

Follow up. Note down when you filed the report. If the deadline has passed, send a reminder referencing the original report.