When you’re a renter, you may be hesitant to reach out to your property manager when you’re experiencing some issues with your unit. However, keep in mind that up to 70% of property managers not only provide advertising and leasing services but also inspections and repairs. That said, if you are on the fence about whether you should DIY property issues or let the professionals handle things, here are some common rental issues and when to handle them yourself and when to contact your landlord.
Damaged Paint? DIY
People spend up to 90% of their time indoors, and chances are your walls are decorated to make your indoor space cozier. However, if you accidentally caused damage to the paint in your unit, you may be expected to pay out of pocket for repairs. Fortunately, paint problems are relatively easy to remedy as a DIY project. You can either contact your property manager to get the paint color used in your unit or you can take a chip of the paint and bring it to your local hardware store where they can color-match the paint for you. In some cases, your property manager may even have a spare bucket of the same paint color used to paint your unit that you can use if you ask, such as if you requested approval for an accent wall that needs to be repainted before you leave.
Water Issues? Contact the Property Manager
According to the EPA, only about 1% of the Earth’s water is potable (drinkable). Your landlord and property manager are legally required to make sure you have drinkable water and access to hot water. If you notice any issues with your unit’s water, such as plumbing issues, contaminated water, or shower problems, make sure to contact your property manager right away. Water problems are not your responsibility, and you could risk causing further damage if you try to DIY.
Electrical Problems? Contact the Property Manager
Electrical problems should immediately be reported to the property manager because they pose a fire risk. According to the National Fire Safety Council, there are 45,000 home fires in the United States each year with electrical malfunction as the source. Electric problems can be dangerous to you and to the property. Alert your landlord if you notice any sparks, humming from your outlets, smoke coming from the outlets, or flickering lights.
Driveway Issues? Contact the Property Manager
Driveways should be seal coated every few years to prevent chipping and cracking. According to Bob Vila, sealing a driveway costs between $250-$768, depending on the size of the driveway. Fortunately, unless it involves shoveling during the winter months, the driveway isn’t typically your realm of expertise and you ought to contact the property manager if there are issues such as cracks, potholes, or other issues that could potentially cause injuries or property damage.
Sidewalk Salting? DIY
Make sure to double-check your lease to determine who is responsible for salting the sidewalks, walkways, and driveways for your property. Depending on the kind of rental property you live in, you may be responsible for salting your own steps while your landlord is responsible for salting the driveway during the winter months. You may want to look into getting a battery operated snow blower instead if this makes it easier to clear the snow before applying the salt, or you can see if your landlord has one. Sidewalk salt is relatively inexpensive, so it can be easy to obtain and spread on your steps. However, if your property manager is responsible for salting, make sure to reach out to them at the first sign of snow. If they’re negligent with salting and you’re injured as a result, you could potentially file a personal injury claim for a slip and fall accident up to three years after the incident.
Ultimately, it’s important to get everything you can in writing in your lease to be clear about your responsibilities to the property and the owner’s responsibilities. The last thing you want to do is pay out of pocket for an issue that your property manager is legally required to take care of.
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