A Practical Guide: DIY Repair Tips for Tenants and Landlords
When it comes to rental properties, small repairs are inevitable. Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, knowing how to handle basic fixes can save time, money, and frustration. Below are some useful DIY repair tips to address common issues that arise in rental homes.
Unclogging Drains
Clogged drains are a frequent problem, but luckily, they’re often easy to fix without calling a plumber.
What You’ll Need:
Plunger
Baking soda and vinegar
Drain snake or auger
How to Fix:
Start by using a plunger to dislodge the blockage.
If that doesn’t work, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, wait 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
For more stubborn clogs, use a drain snake to break up the blockage.
Fixing Leaky Faucets
A dripping faucet is more than an annoyance—it can waste gallons of water over time.
What You’ll Need:
Adjustable wrench
Replacement washers or O-rings
Screwdriver
How to Fix:
Turn off the water supply.
Disassemble the faucet handle and remove the cartridge or valve stem.
Replace any worn-out washers or O-rings, then reassemble the faucet.
Patching Small Holes in Walls
Whether it’s from picture frames or furniture, small holes in walls are common in rentals.
What You’ll Need:
Spackling paste
Putty knife
Sandpaper
Paint
How to Fix:
Apply a small amount of spackling paste to the hole using a putty knife.
Let it dry, then sand it smooth.
Finish by touching up with paint.
Fixing Running Toilets
A running toilet can be noisy and waste a lot of water. Fortunately, it’s an easy fix.
What You’ll Need:
New flapper valve (if needed)
Screwdriver
How to Fix:
Open the toilet tank and check if the flapper valve is sealing properly.
If it’s worn out, replace it with a new one.
Adjust the float arm if necessary to control the water level.
Resetting a Tripped Circuit Breaker
If power goes out in part of your rental, the issue might be a tripped breaker.
What You’ll Need:
Access to the circuit breaker box
How to Fix:
Open the breaker panel and find the switch that’s in the middle position.
Flip it all the way to “Off,” then back to “On.”
Cleaning Air Filters
For landlords, keeping the HVAC system running efficiently is key, and for tenants, changing air filters can improve air quality and lower energy bills.
What You’ll Need:
New air filters (compatible with your system)
How to Fix:
Locate the air filter compartment, usually near the return air duct or the HVAC system itself.
Remove the old filter and insert a new one, making sure it’s installed in the correct direction.
Sealing Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors can cause higher energy bills and make the space uncomfortable.
What You’ll Need:
Weatherstripping
Caulk
Caulk gun
How to Fix:
Inspect windows and doors for gaps.
Apply weatherstripping around the edges of doors.
Use caulk to seal any gaps around window frames.
These DIY repair tips can address common issues.
For more complex problems, you can always contact Your Orange County Property Management Firm, a licensed California General Contractor.