Basic Repairs Every Self-Managing Landlord Can Handle Themselves

As a self-managing landlord, taking care of minor repairs yourself not only saves money but also helps you maintain control over the upkeep of your rental property. While some repairs require the expertise of a professional, there are several basic tasks that you can easily handle on your own. Learning how to tackle these common issues can make property management more efficient and cost-effective. Here’s a guide to some basic repairs every self-managing landlord can do themselves.

1. Fixing a Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet is one of the most common maintenance issues landlords encounter. Not only is the constant drip annoying, but it can also waste water and increase utility bills. Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is a straightforward task.

• Tools You’ll Need: Adjustable wrench, screwdriver, replacement washers or O-rings, plumber’s tape.
• Steps:
  1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
  2. Use the wrench to remove the faucet handle.
  3. Identify the source of the leak—usually a worn-out washer or O-ring.
  4. Replace the damaged part with a new one.
  5. Reassemble the faucet and turn the water supply back on.

Take Action: Familiarize yourself with the different types of faucets (compression, ball, cartridge, and ceramic disk) to better understand the repair process. My free eBook offers additional tips on maintaining plumbing fixtures in your rental property.

2. Unclogging Drains

Clogged drains are another common issue, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. While chemical drain cleaners can be harsh and damage pipes, there are simpler methods you can use to clear most clogs.

• Tools You’ll Need: Plunger, drain snake (or auger), baking soda, vinegar.
• Steps:
  1. For sinks and tubs, use a plunger to try to dislodge the clog.
  2. If the plunger doesn’t work, use a drain snake to break up and remove the blockage.
  3. For minor clogs, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water.

Take Action: Regularly clean drains with baking soda and vinegar to prevent clogs from forming. For more tips on maintaining plumbing, follow me on Instagram @first_time_landlord for daily insights.

3. Replacing Light Fixtures and Switches

Lighting issues, such as flickering lights or broken switches, are common in rental properties. Replacing light fixtures or switches is a simple task that requires minimal tools and can be done safely with basic electrical knowledge.

• Tools You’ll Need: Screwdriver, voltage tester, wire nuts, replacement light fixture or switch.
• Steps:
  1. Turn off the power to the fixture or switch at the circuit breaker.
  2. Use a voltage tester to ensure the power is off.
  3. Remove the old fixture or switch by unscrewing it from the wall or ceiling.
  4. Disconnect the wires and attach them to the new fixture or switch.
  5. Secure the fixture or switch in place and turn the power back on.

Take Action: Always follow safety guidelines when working with electricity, and if you’re unsure, consult a professional. My online courses provide more detailed guidance on handling electrical repairs safely.

4. Patching Small Holes in Walls

Over time, tenants may leave small holes in the walls from hanging pictures or shelves. Patching these holes is a quick and easy repair that can make your rental property look well-maintained.

• Tools You’ll Need: Spackling paste, putty knife, sandpaper, paint.
• Steps:
  1. Clean the area around the hole to remove any dust or debris.
  2. Apply spackling paste to the hole using a putty knife, smoothing it out so it’s level with the wall.
  3. Let the paste dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then sand it down until smooth.
  4. Touch up the area with paint to match the surrounding wall.

Take Action: Keep a small supply of spackling paste and matching paint on hand for quick touch-ups between tenants. My free landlord class offers additional tips on preparing your property for new tenants.

5. Replacing a Toilet Flapper

A running toilet is not only annoying but can also waste a significant amount of water. The most common cause is a worn-out flapper, which is easy to replace.

• Tools You’ll Need: None, just a replacement flapper.
• Steps:
  1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
  2. Flush the toilet to drain the tank.
  3. Remove the old flapper from the bottom of the tank.
  4. Attach the new flapper to the flush valve and reattach the chain to the flush handle.
  5. Turn the water supply back on and test the toilet.

Take Action: Regularly check toilets for running water to catch issues early. For more plumbing maintenance tips, my free eBook provides a comprehensive guide to common rental property repairs.

6. Fixing a Squeaky Door or Cabinet

Squeaky doors and cabinets are minor annoyances that can easily be fixed with a little lubrication.

• Tools You’ll Need: WD-40 or silicone spray, rag.
• Steps:
  1. Identify the source of the squeak, usually the hinges.
  2. Spray a small amount of lubricant onto the hinges.
  3. Open and close the door or cabinet several times to work the lubricant into the hinge.
  4. Wipe away any excess lubricant with a rag.

Take Action: Keep a can of WD-40 on hand for quick fixes around the property. My online courses offer more tips on maintaining rental properties efficiently.

Conclusion

As a self-managing landlord, handling basic repairs yourself can save you time and money while keeping your rental property in top condition. From fixing leaky faucets to patching holes in walls, learning how to perform these simple tasks will help you manage your property more effectively. By staying on top of minor repairs, you can maintain a well-kept property that attracts and retains quality tenants.

For more tips and resources on managing rental properties and handling repairs, visit Landlord Strategy, where you can access my free eBook, free landlord class, and online courses. Follow me on Instagram @landlord_strategy for daily insights and inspiration.