Back to: Finding Your Place: Overcoming Barriers in Rental Housing

Handling property issues and repairs responsibly not only helps maintain a good relationship with your landlord but also ensures that your rental feels like home. Here’s how to effectively manage these situations:

• Understand Your Lease: Know what repairs and maintenance are your responsibility and which fall to the landlord. Your lease should outline these details.
• Perform Minor Repairs: Simple fixes like changing light bulbs or unclogging drains can often be done by yourself. This shows initiative and respect for the property as well as getting the issue solved quickly.
• Report Major Issues Promptly: For significant issues like leaks, electrical problems, or anything that could worsen over time, contact your landlord immediately.
• Keep a Record: Document the condition of the property and any damages or issues when you move in and as they arise. Take photos and keep notes with dates.
• Communicate in Writing: For important repairs, follow up verbal communications with a written request. This provides a record of your diligence in reporting issues. Be polite and understanding that repairs may take time to arrange.
• Clean Regularly: Regular cleaning can prevent many maintenance issues, especially in areas prone to mold or pests. Research good ways to prevent issues, such as using white vinegar and water to clean bathtub and shower grout to prevent or remove mildew.
• Prevent Damage: Take proactive steps to avoid causing damage. Use appliances correctly, avoid hanging pictures with nails where not allowed, and protect floors from scratches.
• Notify Landlord of DIY Fixes: If you’ve made any minor repairs yourself, let your landlord know. This demonstrates your commitment to maintaining their property. An example might be “Hi! The front door handle that was sticking, I figured out that all that was going on was some loose screws, so I tightened the screws on it and it is working fine now.” Youtube can be an invaluable source of knowledge that can help make almost anyone a maintenance expert for minor repairs.
• Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures for urgent property issues. Know how to turn off water or gas in case of leaks.
• Seek Permission for Improvements: If you’re considering making any improvements, get your landlord’s permission first. Unauthorized changes can lead to big issues, this is especially true of painting or installing anything on the exterior of the property (such as a satellite dish.)
• Be Present for Repairs: If possible, be present when repairs are being done. This ensures that you’re aware of what work is being performed and by whom.
• Maintain Appliances: Proper use and regular cleaning of appliances can prevent breakdowns and prolong their life. An example would be making sure to clean the coils under your refrigerator every few months, this is easy to do with a vacuum and household items or a inexpensive brush (like a long pipe cleaner) that can be found online or any Dollar or hardware store. This will make your refrigerator run quieter, cool better use less electricity and last longer.
• Landscaping and Exterior Maintenance: If your rental agreement includes upkeep of outdoor spaces, stay on top of these tasks to keep the property looking its best.
• Report Even Small Issues: Sometimes, a minor issue can be a symptom of a larger problem. Reporting them can help catch big problems early, just make sure that when you report the issues you are doing so in a considerate manner so as not to come across as demanding or high maintenance.

By taking responsibly for the condition of the property and minor issues and repairs, you not only improve your immediate quality of life and how your landlord views you as a tenant, but also contribute to the long-term upkeep and value of the property.