Checklist
Renter maintenance checklist (monthly + seasonal)
A 15-minute routine to prevent the most common rental issues: drafts, mold risk, leaks, and stuck hardware. Start here if you're new.
Read the checklist →Home maintenance guides written for renters
Practical checklists and troubleshooting guides focused on reversible fixes, no-permit basics, and knowing when to call maintenance instead.
Written by Michael Rivera — Property maintenance specialist with 12+ years of hands-on experience managing residential rentals in Austin, TX. Learn more about the author →
Latest guides
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Heating
Boiler showing 0.1 bar? The renter-safe repressurize fix
My boiler locked out at 0.1 bar on the first cold morning. The filling-loop top-up that brought it back, step by step.
Doors
The bent door handle previous tenants left me (and the $5 fix)
Why rental handles bend, the 15-minute swap, and the magnetic door stop that prevents round two.
Bathroom
I installed a shower screen in my rental — landlord chat first
The three-line message that got a written yes, and what the install actually involved.
Move-out
Move-out wall fixes: nail holes, anchors, touch-up
Patch common holes and do small touch-ups without creating bigger patches.
Ventilation
Noisy bathroom fan: cleaning + simple fixes
Cover cleaning, vibration fixes, and when to call maintenance.
Kitchen
Under-sink smell checklist: P-trap, disposal, leaks
Identify moisture vs sewer vs food residue smells safely.
Drains
How to fix a slow drain safely (renter edition)
Safe tools, what to avoid, and when to stop and call maintenance.
Doors
Squeaky doors & sticking latches: renter-safe quick fixes
Lubrication, latch alignment checks, and low-risk fixes that won't damage rentals.
Humidity
Mold prevention for renters: a practical humidity checklist
Bathroom routine, closet airflow, and humidity targets.
Plumbing
Low shower pressure: 6 checks before you call maintenance
Safe cleaning steps and quick checks renters can do without risky DIY.
Windows
Sticky windows: clean tracks & lubricate without damage
Track cleaning, safe lubrication, and what to avoid in rentals.
Plumbing
Clogged faucet aerator: quick clean for better flow
Restore water pressure by cleaning the aerator screen -- a 5-minute fix most renters overlook.
Cleaning
Carpet stains: renter-safe removal before move-out
Remove coffee, wine, grease, and pet stains without damaging carpet fibers or your deposit.
HVAC
Thermostat basics for renters: settings, filters, and when to call
How to set your thermostat right, when to change filters, and signs your HVAC needs maintenance.
Heating
Radiator maintenance for renters: bleeding, noise, and cold spots
How to bleed air, quiet noisy pipes, and fix cold spots.
Doors
Door handles & locks: renter-safe fixes for loose knobs and stiff locks
Tighten loose handles, lubricate stiff locks, and know when a lock issue needs maintenance.
Windows
Motorized roller blinds: what renters can (and can't) fix
Troubleshoot stuck, uneven, or unresponsive motorized blinds — and know when to call maintenance.
Free tools
Move-out
Security Deposit Deduction Estimator
Tick what applies to your place and see the typical deduction range — plus which items cost pocket change to fix yourself first.
Decision helper
Fix It or Call the Landlord?
Five yes/no questions, one clear verdict: DIY it, ask first, or report it — with the reasoning.