Every rental property will need maintenance and repairs from time to time, and a landlord with the skills, knowledge, and tools to handle basic repair tasks will be well equipped for the job. If you prefer a hands-off approach, just be sure you have an extensive contact list of home repair professionals. But if you do the work yourself, you’ll reduce your dependency on third-party schedules and will potentially save a significant amount of money.
However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t expect to handle all the repairs yourself. Certain repair tasks, like those related to heating and cooling systems, require professional certification. But that still leaves a fairly long list of basic repair tasks you can do yourself; here are eight of the most common ones.
1. Basic Plumbing
Although a professional plumber will handle any major repairs, there are basic plumbing tasks you can tackle yourself. Faucet leaks waste water and stain sinks and tubs, but luckily they’re typically easy to fix. In most cases, it’s a matter of disassembling the faucet and replacing a worn gasket or washer. You can either find the instructions for completing the job on the manufacturer’s website or simply search for a how-to video on the subject.
Toilet and drain clogs are another basic plumbing task you can handle yourself. To avoid leaving your tenants in the lurch if a plumber isn’t immediately available, learn how to snake a drain, disassemble a P-trap (the u-shaped bend in the waste pipe that connects a sink’s drain to a septic tank or a sewer system), and properly plunge a toilet. And yes, there is a proper way to do it.
Useful tools for basic plumbing tasks:
- Slip-lock pliers
- Multi-driver
- Sink and toilet augers (different tools)
- Bell-shaped toilet plunger
Plumbing leaks can be frustrating, and while you may not be able to fix every leak yourself, you should know the locations of the water shut offs so you can prevent further damage until a plumber comes.
2. Electrical Switch and Outlet Repair
Dimming or flickering lights and short circuits are systemic problems that require professional attention, so an electrician is a good contact to have on hand for your rental property. But when a switch or outlet doesn’t work property, you can often restore power to that device by tightening a loose connection or replacing the device. This is a 10- to 20-minute fix that you can easily do yourself. Just remember to turn off the breaker that controls the circuit before you remove the outlet or switch cover. Any electrical issues beyond your basic repair abilities should be left to the professionals.
Helpful tools for basic electrical switch and outlet repair:
- Voltage tester
- Pliers
- Multi-driver
- Wire splicing tool
3. Appliance Troubleshooting
Problems with refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and other major appliances often boil down to a simple cause, such as a blown fuse, broken drive belt, or internal obstruction. While there’s no quick fix that works for every issue, many appliance repairs are easier than you might expect.
If you don’t have the user’s manual, you can simply search for a how-to video on the subject to guide you through the process. The only difficult part of this repair may be moving the appliance into a position that allows access to the damaged component, so you may need help with this.
4. HVAC Maintenance
When a heating or cooling system breaks down, you usually have no alternative but to call a licensed repair professional. However, as the landlord, you can perform several maintenance tasks yourself to help prevent breakdowns and avoid expensive repair bills. These tasks include changing filters regularly, cleaning refrigerator coils, and oiling fan motors.
If you have a gas furnace, consider familiarizing yourself with the procedure for changing a faulty thermocouple or heat sensor, which is often responsible for the failure of the pilot to stay lit.
Use tools for basic HVAC maintenance:
- Multi-driver
- Pliers
- Crescent wrench or spanner
5. Pest Control
Handling pest control is a must as the property owner. Although tenants share the responsibility for keeping insects and rodents at bay (by regularly cleaning the unit), it’s ultimately the landlord’s responsibility to eradicate them. Before you can tackle this basic maintenance task, you’ll want to do your research and remain patient. You may not be able to rid the unit of a particular pest until you find out what trap or bait to use. Developing a knack for pest control will save you hundreds of dollars that you would’ve otherwise spent hiring a professional exterminator, along with the monthly fees for upkeep.
However, there will always be certain pests that are better off left to the professionals. Termites, for example, require a multi-step treatment procedure, so don’t try to exterminate them yourself.
Useful tools for basic pest control:
- Traps
- Bait
- Caulk for sealing access points
6. Basic Roof and Gutter Repair
Although a major roof leak is a job for a professional roofer, a handy property owner (who isn’t afraid of heights) can often fix minor leaks themselves. Gutter and roof repair can be costly, so having the ability to complete basic roof and gutter repairs is a great skill to have as a landlord. Gutter repairs are often as simple as cleaning out debris, adjusting the hangers, and sealing joints with caulk. Preventing leaks by cleaning the gutters at least once a year should be one of the repair tasks you complete as part of routine rental property maintenance.
Useful tools for basic roof and gutter repair:
- Ladder
- Putty knife
- Caulking gun
- Bucket
- Gloves
7. Drywall Patching and Replacement
Because it’s difficult to repair impact damage in drywall with patching or joint compound, replacement is often the only option for water damage and mold. Either way, you’ll save money being able to do this work yourself. Drywall repair can be a bit messy, but it’s straightforward, and you’ll be thankful you know how to do it when it’s time to prepare your property for new tenants after a long tenancy.
Useful tools for basic drywall patching and replacement:
- Tape measure
- Straightedge
- Utility knife
- Drywall saw
- A selection of drywall blades
8. Painting
Painting isn’t necessarily difficult, but it may take time to develop an efficient routine. Each rental property you own gives you an opportunity to hone your painting skills, especially if it has high turnover. Hiring a professional painter to paint the exterior of your rental property is very different from the interior. You should be able to handle the interior on your own, but you should typically leave the exterior painting to the pros. Before you pick a paint color, research the different types of primer and paint to use on the interior and search for how-to videos on interior painting.
Useful tools for basic interior painting:
- Paint roller and brush
- Painter’s tape
- Paint roller extension pole
- Paint tray
- Drop cloth (protective sheet to cover floors and furniture)
Do It Yourself or Hire a Professional: The Choice Is Yours
These eight basic home repair tasks will allow you to save money from the cost of hiring a professional for easy fixes. But even if you’ve developed an extensive list of skills, it may not always be worth your while to take on certain repairs. No matter which route you choose, ensure your tenants have an easy way to submit maintenance requests online. With Apartments.com, renters can submit requests for repairs, and you can update them as repairs progress. Before undertaking a repair, consider what your time is worth and how that compares to the going rate for the task. You can choose to hire a professional if it’s more cost effective to do so, or you can choose to tackle the repair yourself. The choice is yours!
