Basic Home Maintenance Skills Every Renter Should Know

You just got the keys to your first apartment. Freedom. Independence. And then... a leaking sink, a clogged drain, or a smoke alarm that won’t stop beeping. Knowing a few basic maintenance skills can save you from unnecessary stress (and calls to your landlord). Here’s what every renter should be able to handle:

• How to Fix a Clogged Toilet Quickly: If your toilet overflows, don’t keep flushing. It will only make things worse. Quickly turn off the water valve behind the toilet and grab a plunger. If that doesn’t work, dish soap and hot water can break up minor clogs before you call for help.

• Easy Ways to Unclog a Slow Drain: If water is pooling at your feet in the shower, a slow drain is likely caused by trapped hair and soap buildup. Use a drain snake or an old wire hanger to pull out the gunk. If you don’t have those, a mix of baking soda and vinegar can help loosen things up.

• What to Do When Your Sink Won’t Drain: If your sink won’t drain and dirty water is just sitting there, check under the sink for the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe). Place a bucket underneath, unscrew it, and clear out any debris. It’s messy but better than paying a plumber.

• How to Reset a Tripped Breaker: If you flip a switch and half your lights go out, find the circuit breaker box. It is usually in a closet or hallway. Look for a switch that’s out of line with the rest and flip it back. If it keeps happening, unplug a few appliances from that circuit.

• Why Your Fridge Isn’t Cooling and How to Fix It: If your fridge isn’t cooling, check the temperature dial inside first. It might have been bumped. If that’s fine, pull the fridge away from the wall and clean the dust off the coils at the back. Poor airflow can cause it to stop working properly.

• How to Keep Your AC Running Efficiently: If your AC stops cooling in the middle of a heatwave, check the air filter. A clogged filter reduces airflow and makes the AC work harder. Replace or clean it every month to avoid sudden breakdowns.

• How to Keep Pests Out of Your Apartment: If your landlord doesn’t cover pest control and you spot roaches or ants, start by sealing up any food sources. Wipe down counters, take out the trash regularly, and use a mix of vinegar and water to clean surfaces. If they keep showing up, a few strategic traps can help.

• How to Stop a Beeping Smoke Alarm: If your smoke alarm won’t stop beeping even though there’s no smoke, the battery is probably dying. Twist the alarm off the ceiling, replace the battery, and test it to make sure it’s working properly.

Your landlord won’t always be available to fix things immediately, and small problems can become big headaches if left alone. Knowing these basic skills will make your life easier and might even impress your guests when you solve an issue before they notice.