FAQ

Questions landlords actually ask.

Before We Get Started

“Can I even work with these guys?”

  • We proudly serve clients throughout Allegheny County and western Westmoreland County.

  • We work on just about every type of residential rental property, including single-family homes, duplexes, rowhouses, small apartment buildings, and large apartment communities.

  • Absolutely. Pittsburgh Maintenance Solutions carries general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Every subcontractor we work with is thoroughly vetted and required to carry the appropriate insurance as well.

  • We can typically onboard a new client within one business day. Once you're set up, we'll schedule your work as quickly as possible. Most non-emergency work can be scheduled within 2–7 calendar days, depending on the season and the scope of the project.

  • We primarily work with independent landlords, real estate investors, and professional property managers. Some clients own a single rental property. Others trust us to maintain portfolios with hundreds of units.

  • Yes, but… We may not be your best fit. We strive for efficiency, consistency, and quality…sometimes at the expense of unlimited choice. If you need a new faucet, we're likely going to install one of our trusted, "bullet-proof" standard models—not spend hours visiting showrooms comparing fifteen designer options. If your goal is to maximize rent, minimize maintenance, and get the unit back on the market quickly, we're probably a great fit. If your goal is to create a one-of-a-kind luxury residence with custom finishes throughout, we are probably not for you.

  • Sorry, but no. Pittsburgh Maintenance Solutions was built exclusively for landlords, real estate investors, and property managers. By focusing on rental properties, we've developed the systems, standards, and experience needed to keep rental portfolios running efficiently.

Unit Turnovers

“My tenant moved out. Now what?”

  • Certainly. Unit turnovers are one of our specialties. Our goal is simple: get your unit back on the market as quickly as possible without cutting corners. Every day a unit sits vacant is a day you're not collecting rent.

  • Yes. Over the years, we've developed a standardized turnover process that emphasizes three priorities: (1) make the unit attractive to prospective tenants; (2) make the unit as durable and "bullet-proof" as possible; and (3) keep costs within reason. We don't believe the cheapest solution is always the best—and we certainly don't believe the most expensive solution is. Our standards are designed to maximize long-term ROI.

  • Definitely...maybe. Our turnover standards weren't created overnight. They're the result of years of trial and error, so we're generally reluctant to deviate from them. We will never compromise on health, safety, or anything we believe will create bigger problems down the road. If we're fundamentally at odds on those issues, we may simply not be the right fit. On the other hand, there's plenty of room for reasonable discussion. Maybe we recommend replacing carpet, but you'd rather try cleaning it first. Maybe we'd install LVP, but you prefer another flooring option. Those are business decisions, and reasonable people can disagree.  We'll explain our recommendation, tell you why we believe it's the best long-term choice, and then respect your decision.

  • Of course.  If it's a small clean-out, we'll bring our trucks and take care of it ourselves. If you've inherited a true hoarder situation, we'll bring in one of our trusted junk removal partners. Those guys can empty a house faster than an army of super ants. 

  • 100%. Before we begin work, we'll thoroughly photograph the property and document any tenant-caused damage. When appropriate, we'll also organize your invoice to distinguish between: (1) normal wear and tear; (2) tenant-caused damage; and (3) capital improvements you chose to complete during the turnover. Clear documentation and organized invoices put you in a much stronger position if you decide to pursue reimbursement from a former tenant.

Repairs & Maintenance

“The normal day-to-day headaches.”

  • Absolutely. That's what we're here for. Once you send us the work order, we'll coordinate with the tenant (if you'd like), diagnose the issue, make the repair, document what we found, and send you photos and an invoice when the job is complete. Our goal is to make maintenance one less thing you have to think about.

  • Not only can we handle multiple items in one visit, we encourage it.  Unlike specialty contractors, our technicians are trained to handle a wide variety of maintenance issues during the same visit. Instead of scheduling separate plumbers, handymen, and maintenance crews, we'll knock out as much as possible in one trip—saving you time, money, and headaches.

  • We can! Lawn care is one of our recurring maintenance services. But we don't stop at mowing the grass. While we're on-site, we'll perform a quick trash sweep, tidy up around dumpsters, photograph the completed work, and keep an eye out for maintenance issues that deserve your attention. Think of us as an extra set of eyes on your property.

  • Definitely. We provide snow plowing, sidewalk clearing, salting, and other winter maintenance services. We simply ask that you enroll before the snow season begins. During major storms, our routes are planned well in advance, so we're generally unable to accommodate last-minute requests.

Emergencies

“Can you put out this ‘FIRE?’”

  • Take a breath…then give us a call and tell us what's going on. We'll help determine whether this is a true emergency, walk you through any immediate steps that can reduce damage, and get the appropriate people moving as quickly as possible. Our first priority is protecting your tenants, your property, and your investment.

  • An emergency is any situation that threatens the health or safety of your tenants or is likely to cause significant property damage if left unattended. Examples include burst pipes, sewer backups, no heat during the winter, electrical hazards, broken exterior doors, storm damage, or similar situations. If you're not sure whether it qualifies, give us a call. We'd rather help you make that decision than have you guess wrong.

  • Every emergency is different, but our goal is always the same: stabilize the situation as quickly as possible. In many cases, stopping the water, securing the building, restoring heat, or making a temporary repair is far more important than completing the permanent repair immediately. Once the emergency is under control, we'll work with you to develop a permanent solution.

  • Unfortunately, no. Emergency service is reserved exclusively for existing clients. Emergencies require immediate action, and that's not the right time to be collecting contact information, discussing billing, or onboarding a new client. If you'd like to have access to our emergency response services in the future, we'd be happy to get you set up as a client before an emergency occurs.

  • Once the immediate danger has been addressed, we'll help you determine the best long-term solution. That may include permanent repairs, coordinating specialty contractors, documenting damage for insurance purposes, or developing a plan to prevent the problem from happening again. Our job isn't just to put out today's fire (literally and/or figuratively)… it's to help keep the next one from starting.

HUD Inspections

“What is this list?”

  • No problem. Completing Section 8 inspection punch lists is one of our specialties. We've completed hundreds of these repairs over the years, so we can usually decipher exactly what an inspector is asking for—even when the wording is less than crystal clear. If there is ever any uncertainty, we're happy to contact the inspector directly to make sure the deficiency is corrected the first time. Whether your list has two items or twenty, we'll get it completed quickly and correctly.

  • Yes. While both inspection systems are designed to ensure safe, habitable housing, they evaluate properties a little differently. We stay current with evolving HUD standards so we know what inspectors are looking for and how to correct deficiencies efficiently. More importantly, we speak both languages. We can translate an inspector's report into a practical punch list that gets your property back into compliance.

  • Definitely. We can perform a pre-inspection walkthrough to identify potential deficiencies before the inspector arrives. Catching problems ahead of time is almost always less stressful—and usually less expensive—than scrambling after a failed inspection. Think of it as a practice exam before the real test. We can also help you balance budget versus score. If your goal is simply to achieve a passing inspection, we'll help you prioritize the items that matter most. If your goal is to maximize your NSPIRE score, we'll develop a more comprehensive plan to help you get there.

  • No problem. We can meet the inspector for the walk through. Additionally, if they only find one or two small things, often we can fix immediately to avoid delays. If there is a longer list, we can just stay and tackle the list straight away. We can handle the re-inspection, too.

  • We’re on it! Nine times out of 10, these deficiencies are related to a missing smoke detector and/or carbon monoxide detector. Your overall list might be several pages long and we might not be able to fully tackle for a week (+/-). But we can definitely come ASAP for the “emergency” items, and we can take care of notifying the inspector of the resolution. We’ll make sure your tenant is safe and your rent is not put on hold.

  • Absolutely. If questions arise about a deficiency, we're happy to communicate directly with the inspector or housing authority to clarify what's being requested. Once repairs are complete, we can also provide documentation, photos, and coordinate re-inspections when appropriate. Our goal is to make the process as painless as possible for you.

  • Unfortunately, no. We can't guarantee you'll never fail an inspection—but we can dramatically improve your odds. The best way to pass inspections consistently is to stay ahead of maintenance rather than reacting after problems develop. Regular property visits, preventative maintenance, and correcting small issues before they become big ones are the keys to long-term success. We'd much rather help you prepare for an inspection than help you recover from one.

Meet the Team Behind the Tools

“What makes your crew the best?”

  • Both. Our first choice is almost always our own full-time maintenance technicians. They're trained in our systems and understand the level of quality and communication we expect. For larger projects or specialty trades—such as roofing, paving, HVAC replacements, or electrical service upgrades—we work with a carefully vetted network of licensed and insured subcontractors. The important part is this: whether the work is performed by one of our employees or one of our trusted partners, Pittsburgh Maintenance Solutions manages the project from start to finish.

  • An impressive amount! Our lead technicians average more than 15 years of experience maintaining rental properties. Just as importantly, we've built a training system that develops the next generation of great technicians. New team members work alongside experienced mentors and learn the Pittsburgh Maintenance Solutions way of doing things. We don't just hire good people—we invest in making them even better.

  • Yes. The backbone of our company is our team of full-time, W-2 maintenance technicians. Because they work exclusively for Pittsburgh Maintenance Solutions, they're familiar with our standards, our clients, and the unique challenges that come with rental properties. They're not just skilled tradespeople—they're professional problem solvers.

  • Sometimes—and intentionally. Some projects are simply better handled by specialists. When a job requires a licensed trade or specialized equipment, we'll bring in one of our trusted subcontractor partners. We've spent years building relationships with vendors we trust, so you don't have to. And yes—they're properly licensed and insured.

  • We do our best to provide consistency whenever scheduling allows. The more familiar our technicians become with your properties, the more efficient they become. That said, every member of our team has access to detailed work histories, notes, and photos, so no matter who responds, they'll have the information they need.

Billing & Policies

“What’s the fine print?”

  • Yes. Before we begin working together, we'll sign a Master Service Agreement. It outlines the expectations and responsibilities for both parties so everyone is on the same page from day one. We've found that clear expectations upfront prevent misunderstandings later.

  • Most invoices are due within 15 days. For larger projects, we may require a deposit and/or progress payments. If that's the case, we'll discuss everything with you before work begins—no surprises.

  • We accept payment by check, ACH, and all major credit cards. Checks can be mailed to: Pittsburgh Maintenance Solutions, LLC, 510 Broadway Blvd., Pitcairn, PA 15140. If you're paying by credit card, simply click the payment link included on your invoice.

  • Whenever practical, yes. For larger projects, we'll provide a written estimate before work begins. For standard maintenance calls, we’ll just make the repair and then send you the invoice. We like working with established clients because they learn to trust our reasonable pricing.

  • Absolutely. Many of our clients rely on us for recurring services such as lawn care, snow removal, common-area maintenance, preventative maintenance, and property inspections. Our goal isn't to complete one job—it's to become your maintenance department.