Calling a landlord or property manager can be difficult when the conversation involves addresses, dates, repair details, appointment windows and follow-up questions. Aphasia may make it harder to find the right word quickly, understand a long phone explanation or write a detailed message even when you know exactly what is wrong in your home.
A good goal is to make the repair request easier to understand and easier to verify. Use short written facts, photos when useful, one clear request at a time and a record of what was agreed. Communication support should help you stay involved rather than automatically handing the conversation to someone else.
Prepare five facts before you contact the landlord
| Fact | Example |
|---|---|
| Where? | Kitchen, under the sink |
| What is happening? | Water leaks when the tap runs |
| When did it start? | Monday evening |
| How urgent is it? | Slow drip / no water / electrical risk / cannot lock door |
| What do you need? | Repair visit and a written appointment time |
You can keep these points on one card or note in your phone. If speaking becomes difficult, you can read the key words, show the note or paste it into a message.
Use the communication channel that gives you the most control
A phone call is not automatically the best method. Email, a tenant portal or text message can give you more time to read and respond. Written communication also creates a useful record of the repair request.
If you prefer speaking, prepare a short script and ask the other person to send the appointment details in writing afterwards. Similar strategies are useful in other support systems; see Using Customer Service With Aphasia.
A simple repair message
A repair request does not need to be a long paragraph. Keep the structure predictable:
- your name and address or unit number,
- the problem,
- when it started,
- whether it is getting worse or causing immediate risk,
- the action you need,
- the best way to contact you.
If writing itself is difficult, dictation, saved templates and proofreading tools can reduce the language load. The guide Writing Emails and Text Messages With Aphasia explains these options in more detail.
Photos can support, but not replace, the message
A photo can show a leak, crack, damaged lock or broken appliance. Add one short sentence explaining what the photo is meant to show. A close-up without context may be confusing, so it can help to send one wider photo and one detail image.
Ask for choices instead of long open questions
If appointment scheduling is hard to process, ask the property manager to give two or three options. For example: “Tuesday morning or Wednesday afternoon?” Choice-based questions reduce the amount of language you need to hold in mind at once.
Supported communication strategies for aphasia commonly use written key words, visual supports, yes/no questions, choices and confirmation of understanding. The aim is not to oversimplify you; it is to make the communication channel accessible.
Repeat back the agreement
Before ending the conversation, confirm the practical result:
- “Plumber Wednesday, 2–4 pm?”
- “You will email me the appointment?”
- “I do not need to be home — yes or no?”
- “Rent amount is £/€/$ ___ this month?”
Numbers can be especially difficult for some people with aphasia. Ask the other person to write the amount or date rather than relying on memory from a fast phone call. See Money and Numbers With Aphasia for more ways to manage number-heavy tasks.
Keep a simple repair record
Create one note or folder for the issue. Save:
- the first message you sent,
- photos,
- date and time of calls,
- appointment details,
- names of people you spoke with,
- what was repaired,
- any follow-up still needed.
This record helps even without aphasia, but it is especially useful when you do not want to reconstruct a long conversation later.
If you want a support person, decide their role first
A family member, friend or advocate can help with a difficult housing conversation, but support does not have to mean taking over. You might ask them to:
- sit beside you and write key words,
- help explain only if communication breaks down,
- listen and take notes,
- confirm the final appointment details.
You can still be the person making the decision and giving the information. This same principle of supported participation is important in higher-stakes settings such as Informed Consent With Aphasia.
Moving house creates extra landlord communication
At the start or end of a tenancy you may need to coordinate keys, utilities, address changes, inspections and movers. A checklist becomes more useful than trying to remember several conversations. The guide Moving House With Aphasia covers those tasks.
When a repair is urgent
If there is immediate danger — for example fire, a major active leak, suspected gas danger, serious electrical risk or inability to secure the home — use the emergency procedure appropriate to your building and location rather than waiting for a routine message reply. If making the call is difficult, use your communication card or ask a nearby person to help you communicate the urgent facts.
FAQ: renting and aphasia
Do I have to use the phone to report a repair?
Not necessarily. The available channels depend on the landlord or property manager. If email, text or a tenant portal is accepted, written communication may be easier to prepare and verify.
What if I cannot remember the word for the broken item?
Point to it, take a photo, describe what it does, use a drawing or choose from pictures. Communication does not have to depend on finding one exact word.
Should my family member speak for me?
Only if that is the support you want or need. A support person can help with notes, choices and clarification while leaving you in control of the conversation.
How can I make phone calls easier?
Write the address, problem and requested action before calling. Ask the other person to slow down, offer choices and send important dates or amounts in writing.