Topic 15 of 20
Home fixes and safety for renters and first owners
Most home emergencies are small problems that become big ones while you search for the right number to call. Knowing where your water shut-off is, how to reset a breaker and why a smoke alarm chirps covers a surprising share of what goes wrong.
Home fixes and safety guides
Tools worth owning first
A small kit handles most everyday jobs: a multi-bit screwdriver, a claw hammer, adjustable pliers, a tape measure, a utility knife, a small level, a flashlight or headlamp, a plunger, a stud-safe set of picture hooks and some duct tape. Add a cordless drill later if you hang shelves or assemble furniture often. Buy decent quality for the tools you use most; cheap screwdrivers strip screws.
Know your shut-offs
On move-in day, find three things and take a photo of each:
- The main water shut-off, plus the small valves under sinks and behind toilets. Turning off water fast is the difference between a puddle and a ruined floor.
- The electrical panel, with labeled breakers.
- The gas shut-off, if you have gas, and the utility's emergency number. Only shut gas off if it is safe and you know how; otherwise leave and call.
Safe DIY vs call someone
| Usually fine to do yourself | Call your landlord or a pro |
|---|---|
| Plunge a clogged toilet or sink | Water leaking through a ceiling or wall |
| Reset a tripped breaker once | A breaker that trips again right away |
| Jiggle or adjust a running toilet | Sewage backing up |
| Replace a light bulb or smoke alarm battery | Burning smell, sparking outlet or warm switch plate |
| Patch a nail hole | Anything involving gas |
Alarms save lives
Working smoke alarms belong on every level of a home, inside and outside sleeping areas. If your home has a gas furnace, water heater, stove, fireplace or an attached garage, it needs carbon monoxide alarms too, because CO has no smell. Test alarms monthly and never remove a battery to stop a chirp without replacing it.
Reporting a repair in a rental
Report problems in writing, through the landlord's portal, email or text, so there is a dated record. Describe what is wrong, when it started and what you have done, and attach photos. For urgent issues such as no heat in winter, a major leak or no water, also call the emergency maintenance number. Keep copies of every request and reply. Your state's tenant rules set what counts as a habitability problem and how quickly landlords must respond, so look them up if a repair stalls.
Home safety checklist
Tick items as you go. Ticks stay on this page only and clear when you leave.
Questions people ask
Should I fix things myself in a rental?
Small tasks like plunging a clog, resetting a breaker or replacing a light bulb are usually fine. For anything involving wiring, gas, structural damage or major leaks, contact your landlord; many leases make repairs their responsibility and some prohibit tenant repairs.
How often should I test smoke alarms?
The US Fire Administration recommends testing smoke alarms monthly. Replace batteries as the manufacturer recommends and replace the alarm itself when it reaches the age the manufacturer specifies, commonly about 10 years.
What do I do if I smell gas?
Leave the home right away without turning switches on or off, then call your gas utility's emergency line or 911 from outside.