Marc Romanelli of Lexington, SC, Shares Simple Repairs Every Landlord Can Do with Confidence

Being a landlord comes with responsibilities that extend beyond collecting rent and maintaining tenant relationships. Marc D. Romanelli shares that one of the most critical aspects of property management is addressing maintenance issues promptly to keep tenants satisfied while protecting your investment. While some repairs require professional assistance, there are many simple fixes landlords can confidently handle on their own to save time and money. Marc Romanelli of Lexington, SC, provides a guide to straightforward repairs every landlord should know how to tackle.

1. Fixing a Leaky Faucet

A dripping faucet is not only irritating for tenants but can also lead to higher water bills over time. Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is a task most landlords can handle without professional help.

• Tools Needed: Adjustable wrench, screwdriver, replacement washers or cartridges (depending on faucet type), plumber’s tape.
  
• Steps:
  1. Turn off the water supply.
  2. Dismantle the faucet using a screwdriver and wrench.
  3. Inspect the washers or cartridge for wear and replace them as needed.
  4. Reassemble the faucet and test for leaks.
     

Marc D. Romanelli explains that this repair usually takes less than 30 minutes and requires minimal tools, making it an easy win for any landlord.

2. Unclogging a Sink or Shower Drain

Marc Romanelli understands that clogged drains are a common complaint among tenants, often caused by hair, soap scum, or debris buildup. Before calling a plumber, landlords can use simple techniques to clear the blockage.

• Tools Needed: Plunger, drain snake, or chemical drain cleaner.
  
• Steps:
  1. Try using a plunger to dislodge the blockage.
  2. If that doesn’t work, use a drain snake to remove debris.
  3. As a last resort, apply a drain cleaner following the product instructions.
     

Marc Romanelli of Lexington, SC, notes that you can prevent future clogs by providing tenants with drain screens and encouraging them to clean the screens regularly.

3. Repairing Small Drywall Holes

Holes in drywall can occur from moving furniture or accidental impacts. These minor damages are easy to repair with a few inexpensive materials.

• Tools Needed: Spackling paste, putty knife, sandpaper, and touch-up paint.
  
• Steps:
  1. Fill the hole with spackling paste using the putty knife.
  2. Smooth the surface and let it dry completely.
  3. Sand the area until it’s flush with the wall.
  4. Apply touch-up paint to match the existing wall color.
     

This quick repair can help to maintain the property’s appearance and avoid complaints during tenant move-outs.

4. Replacing a Faulty Light Switch

A light switch that doesn’t work properly can be a safety hazard and an inconvenience for tenants. Replacing it is a simple electrical task most landlords can perform.

• Tools Needed: Screwdriver, voltage tester, replacement light switch.
  
• Steps:
  1. Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit breaker.
  2. Remove the switch plate and test for live wires using a voltage tester.
  3. Disconnect the wires from the old switch and connect them to the new one, matching the wiring.
  4. Secure the new switch in place and replace the cover plate.
     

If you’re uncomfortable working with electricity, Marc D. Romanelli emphasizes that it’s best to hire a professional.

5. Re-Caulking a Bathtub or Shower

Over time, the caulking around bathtubs and showers can crack or develop mold, compromising the waterproof seal. Replacing caulk is an easy way to maintain the property’s bathroom and prevent water damage.

• Tools Needed: Caulk gun, silicone caulk, utility knife, and rubbing alcohol.
  
• Steps:
  1. Remove old caulk using a utility knife.
  2. Clean the area thoroughly and let it dry.
  3. Apply a new bead of silicone caulk evenly along the seams.
  4. Smooth the caulk with your finger or a caulking tool.
     

Marc Romanelli of Lexington, SC, explains that this repair not only improves the bathroom’s appearance but also prevents costly water damage down the road.

6. Replacing Air Filters

Keeping HVAC systems running efficiently is essential for tenant comfort and energy savings. Regularly replacing air filters is one of the easiest maintenance tasks landlords can perform.

• Tools Needed: Replacement filters (check the size and type).
  
• Steps:
  1. Turn off the HVAC system.
  2. Locate the filter compartment (usually near the furnace or intake vent).
  3. Remove the old filter and replace it with a new one, ensuring the correct orientation.
     

This simple task improves air quality and extends the life of the HVAC system.

7. Tightening Cabinet Hardware

Loose cabinet handles and drawer pulls are a minor annoyance but can leave a bad impression on tenants. Fortunately, Marc D. Romanelli shares that this repair is as simple as tightening a few screws.

• Tools Needed: Screwdriver.
  
• Steps:
  1. Check all cabinets and drawers for loose hardware.
  2. Tighten screws as needed or replace missing screws with matching ones.
     

Marc Romanelli recommends proactively inspecting cabinet hardware during property visits to prevent tenants from experiencing this issue.

8. Touching Up Paint

Scuffs and small marks on walls are common wear-and-tear issues in rental properties. Marc Romanelli explains that landlords can keep their units looking fresh by addressing these blemishes with touch-up paint.

• Tools Needed: Paintbrush or roller, matching paint.
  
• Steps:
  1. Clean the area with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grease.
  2. Use a small brush or roller to apply a thin layer of matching paint.
  3. Blend the edges to avoid noticeable patches.
     

Keeping extra paint on hand for each property makes this task quick and hassle-free.

9. Patching Window Screens

Torn window screens can let in insects and reduce a property’s curb appeal. Patching them is a straightforward and cost-effective repair.

• Tools Needed: Screen patch kit or replacement mesh, scissors, and spline tool.
  
• Steps:
  1. Remove the damaged screen from the window frame.
  2. Cut a patch or new mesh to size.
  3. Use a spline tool to secure the patch or replacement mesh to the frame.
     

Marc D. Romanelli shares that this quick fix enhances the property’s appearance and tenant satisfaction.

Being able to handle these basic repairs allows landlords to respond quickly to maintenance issues, build trust with tenants, and reduce reliance on costly contractors. While some tasks require professional expertise, learning a few DIY skills can go a long way in maintaining your properties efficiently. Remember, safety always comes first—if you’re unsure about a repair or it involves extensive work, don’t hesitate to hire a qualified professional. Marc Romanelli of Lexington, SC, emphasizes that by mastering these simple fixes, you’ll save time, money, and stress while keeping your tenants happy and your properties in top shape.