 Landlords and property managers usually charge a “maintenance deductible” for each unique visit to a tenant by a repairman. This deductible is typically the first $50-100 of the total bill. They do this to reduce costs but primarily to keep down “nuisance calls”. That is, calls from the tenant for frivolous or petty maintenance actions, like securing the screw on a switch plate, a loose cabinet knob, or bi-fold door needing adjustment. The downside of this is, if nothing is done these items just get worse and wind up costing the tenant far more when they move out. Also, living in a house with many things needing repair is frustrating and creates what I call visual noise.
The Tenant Tool Kit For the cost of less than $20, however, a very simple tool kit can be assembled that will more than pay for itself and benefit the tenant in two ways: Saving the repair deductible charge and feeling a sense of accomplishment in making the repair. The tools in the kit should be kept together in a place where everyone in the house can access it. Tools are expensive but the ones suggested in the list below are so common they can be found at deep discounts at yard sales, dollar stores, and hardware store annual inventory sales. Include the following:
What Can Be Done With these tools one can accomplish 90% of most repairs that become daily aggravations, and will save the repair deductible, or even more if the repair is deferred until the tenant moves. Minor repairs often become much more costly if left unaddressed because the problem can cause surrounding areas to be damaged. With such easy access to the Internet by most phones, there is no longer an excuse for not knowing how to do most simple repairs. If there isn’t a step-by-step procedure there’s probably a video. Most anything that is secured by screws or nails can be fixed quickly before the screw is lost or the hole in which the screw sits becomes so large from continued use, that it requires the hole to be patched and re-drilled. The channel-lock pliers will even allow the tenant to make minor plumbing repairs. What Shouldn’t be Done Uncertainty is not a reason for inaction; it’s a motivation to learn. Every tenant is encouraged to work to their ability, but leave household electrical, furnace, or appliance repair to the experts. Also, leave any drywall repair, beyond patching nail holes, to someone with the right tools. I’ve seen well meaning tenants attempt major hole repairs and it costing them far more than the repair deductible. Don’t be afraid to try, but be sensible, and be safe. 77th Meridian, LLC manages residential property in Anne Arundel and surrounding counties, and parts of Baltimore City for a monthly fee of 7.7% of the collected rent. Why pay the 10% others charge? We save you TIME and WORRY. . . .
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