Things break—it’s part of renting. If something stops working or gets damaged, the best thing you can do is let your landlord or property manager know as soon as possible.

If the damage wasn’t your fault, reporting it quickly creates a record that the issue was already there and helps prevent confusion later.

If you accidentally damage something yourself, be honest about it. Don’t try to make repairs on your own unless your landlord says it’s okay. A DIY fix could make the problem worse or potentially violate your lease. Let your landlord know what happened and ask how they’d like to handle it.

It’s also a good idea to document the condition of your apartment from the day you move in. Take photos or videos of anything that is:

Keep copies of your maintenance requests and communication with your landlord as well.

Being proactive and keeping a record can help protect you, your roommates, and your security deposit while making it easier to resolve problems if they come up.

Bottom line: If something breaks, don't ignore it. Report it, document it, and give your landlord the opportunity to address it.

To find out more information on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, visit http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/rental_assistance/tenantrights.