Living in an off-campus apartment means you have more freedom and independence. However, this also means more responsibility, which means dealing with maintenance issues. You may not be able to call your parents or landlord for every little thing, nor do you want to. Luckily, many issues that may come up have simple fixes that you and your roommate can do yourselves.
Small holes in the wall
When you live in the dorms, you are likely not allowed to hang pictures using nails. While some apartment landlords may have some restrictions on this (be sure to check), you can easily fix the small nail holes from hanging pictures. Invest in some spackle and learn how to properly close these holes. This way, you do not have to pay for the damage and you are more likely to have your security deposit returned when you are ready to move out.
Cold draft
If you live somewhere that has cold winters, you may experience cold drafts blowing chilly air into your apartment. Invest in duct tape or a draft stopper to block the place the draft is coming from. You may even opt to make a draft stopper yourself by stuffing the sleeve of an old t-shirt with foam or other material and placing it where the draft is coming from. This will save you money that you are putting towards heating costs, especially if you had it cranked all the way up.
Clogged drains
Sometimes, in the shower, hair comes out in clumps. If you do not have a hair catcher for your drain, or forgot to use it, it is likely that your drains will clog eventually. Luckily, there are ways to fix this without calling your landlord or a plumber. Get a metal hanger, pull it apart, and make a hook to grab the hair or other substance that is clogging the drain. Alternatively, get some Draino to pour into the drains to help clear the clog.
Changing lightbulbs
This may not seem difficult, but there are a few things to keep in mind when changing a lightbulb for your safety, especially if you have never done it at home before. If you need to use a ladder or other “device” to help you reach the lightbulb location, have someone stand nearby and hold it so it does not move while you are on it. Make sure the light switch for the light is off to avoid injuries and that you have the correct lightbulb. In some instances, the lightbulb still works but just needs to be tightened.
Clogged toilet
Having a toilet clog can be a challenging situation. Instead of the contents going down easily, the water gurgles and gets backed up. In extreme cases, the water may even overflow. While it is overwhelming, a clogged toilet can be fixed without a landlord or plumber in many cases. Before this happens, invest in a plunger and learn how to use it in the event of a clogged toilet. If you have rugs in your bathroom, you may want to move them out of the way in case the toilet water does overflow.
Leaky faucet
A leaky faucet can be a big deal, but there are things you can try before contacting your landlord. It is possible that the person who used it last did not turn it off all the way, so try maneuvering the handle to get it to stop dripping. The handle may also be loose, so see if you can tighten it to stop the dripping. If these do not work, you will likely have to get a professional involved. Fixing a leaky faucet early on will help save money on your water bill and will help preserve our environment’s water sources.
HVAC issues
When it is really cold or really hot, you may notice that your heater and air conditioner are not working properly. If it is cold and you have the heater all the way up, check for a draft and cover the place the draft is coming from. Your thermostat may also need new batteries, which will cause it to not work properly. See your air filter is dirty, and if you are comfortable, change it yourself. This can help you save some money on your utility costs.
Squeaky doors
While squeaky doors may not be as big of a deal as some of the other issues, they may still be a nuisance, especially if they disrupt your quiet study or sleep time. Luckily, this issue is easily fixed. Buy some lubricant and put a few drops on the hinges. Open and close the door a few times to ensure the solution is evenly distributed.
Maintenance issues can be one of the most stressful parts of moving into an apartment of your own (or with a roommate). Luckily, many of these issues can be resolved by you and your roommate. However, if you do have any questions or concerns, reach out to your landlord.
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