Repair requests must be submitted via online portal only

Reviewed by Marcus A. Hall, Founder
Worth a closer look
Legal in most places, but pushy — try to negotiate.
Quick answer

Portal-only requests create a paper trail — good for you. Just keep screenshots in case the portal loses your submission.

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What it actually means

Online portals document when you reported issues. That helps if you later dispute delayed repairs.

The downside: if the portal is down or the landlord ignores it, you need a backup method.

What it looks like in a lease

"All repair requests must be submitted through the online tenant portal at [URL]."

What to watch for

  • Whether phone/email backup exists
  • Response time guarantees

How to negotiate it

'I'll use the portal, but please confirm email/phone is also acceptable in emergencies.'

When it crosses into a red flag

  • No backup method for emergencies

Frequently asked questions

What if the portal is down?

Send an email and call. Document the portal outage with a screenshot.

Related clauses

General information, not legal advice. Clauses are interpreted differently across states and courts. For a binding interpretation of your specific lease, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

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