How To Fix It

Quick Home Repair Tips

RentAnnapolis

This information was collected from a number of local repair companies. It is informational only. Any diagnosis or repair should be performed by a competent professional. (This information is provided as a courtesy only.
Neither RentAnnapolis.com nor any other party involved in the preparation, publication or distribution of this information makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, that this information contains all provisions that may be appropriate or necessary to address the specific interests of a landlord, tenant or others.)

Clean Air Filters The front at of your unit is generally removable for easy access to the filters. For the most efficient system, it is recommended that the filter be changed every 30 days. Remove the old and slip in the new.
Heating Bill Is Too High Make certain the "auxiliary" heat on the heat pump is not running regularly. Keep the thermostat at an average temperature (don't keep moving it up and down). Check windows and doors for drafts. Make sure your furnace filters are changed every 4-6 weeks and your heating unit is serviced professionally twice a year.
Sink Drain Is Clogged Do not put harsh chemicals down the pipes, try white vinegar. Clear visible hair or debris away from he drain. Use another sink until the plumber is able to snake out the clog.
No Hot Water Check your breaker or pilot light, and the reset button (on newer models). If your unit is old, a professional may be required to determine the source of the problem.
Water Bill Seems High Check all sinks for dripping faucets. Limit shower usage and water lawn in shorter increments.
Toilet Is Clogged Don't continue to flush if you see the toilet is stopped up. Contaminated water may cause damage to walls & flooring if it spills over. Try plunging 5 or 6 times before calling the plumber.
Grass Cutting Tips Keep the mower blade at 3 inches. Unless, the grass is warm season grass (which includes, tall fescue or blue grass). Warm season grass should be cut 1.5 inches before it turns to seed.
Fertilizing Dos & Don'ts Always consult an expert before laying fertilizers. Grass can easily burn or streak.
Best Watering Times Early morning is the best time. Early evening would be the second best option. Note: In the spring and fall, the evening coolness may create fungus. Never in water in the middle of the day.
Raking & Disposing Leaves Don't let leaves sit in a pile in the yard. Dispose of them or place them in a composting bin. Check with the City and County for special leaf pickup days.
Winterizing Your House Clean gutters twice in the fall (once after leaves all fall off). Turn outside water off from inside. Unscrew any hoses from hose bib.
Snow Shoveling Tips Use minimal salt. Salt on sidewalk can eat away at concrete or asphalt. Shovel as soon as possible. There are other commercially available ice melters which are not as corrosive to sidewalks and streets (and cars).

This information is provided as a courtesy only.
Neither RentAnnapolis.com nor any other party involved in the preparation, publication or distribution of this information makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, that this information contains all provisions that may be appropriate or necessary to address the specific interests of a landlord, tenant or others.

Emergencies

There's Water Leaking Under The Sink!

Use a rag or bucket to catch excess water. If the leak is sudden or excessive, call your property manager. Only a plumber should tighten or replace pipes.

The Roof Is Leaking!

Roof leaks can be difficult to find and tricky to repair. With enough persistence and patience, however, they can be fixed. The immediate steps to take are:

  • Pinpoint where the leak is coming from.
  • Place a bowl or bucket under the leak to catch the water so no water damage will occur.
  • Mop up the water that has already leaked on the floor.
  • Call the property manager or landlord to report the leak immediately, so they can have a professional roofer make the repair

There's Water in The Basement!

  • First, where the water is coming from? Is the water coming from a pipe, from the floor, or under the wall?
  • Is the sump pump working?
  • Is it coming from the A/C or heating unit? (if it is from a unit, it is condensation)
  • Once you have located the problem, mop up as much of the water as possible, and call the landlord or property manager so they can have a professional repair the leak.

The Heat Won't Come On!

  • First the simple questions: Is your electric on?
  • If you have an oil furnace, is there fuel oil in the tank?
  • Check the thermostat: did someone accidentally turn off the heat?
  • Next, check the circuit breaker: Is it on or off?
  • Call your property manager or service technician.

A Tree Fell In Yard!

  • First, make sure all family members are safe and unharmed.
  • Then check to see if the tree has hit a power line. If so, call BGE immediately and report the damage. If fire a fire has started or if there are sparks, call 911 right away.
  • Do not attempt to remove or cut debris yourself.
  • Call your landlord or property manger; they can hire a professional to remove the tree.