Every landlord eventually gets the offer: “I can fix that myself.” Whether it’s a leaking faucet, a squeaky door, or even repainting a room, some tenants are eager to take repairs into their own hands. But while this enthusiasm might seem like a win, allowing tenants to DIY property maintenance is more complicated than it appears.
So, should you allow tenants to handle their own repairs? Here’s what to consider.
Why Tenants Want to DIY
Not all tenants are trying to overstep. Many simply want to:
- Speed up the repair timeline
- Avoid the hassle of scheduling visits
- Make small changes to personalize the space
- Help out if they’re handy or have the tools
In some cases, especially for minor fixes, it might seem harmless. But DIY repairs come with legal, financial, and quality control risks.
Potential Risks of Tenant Repairs
1. Liability Concerns
If a tenant injures themselves during a repair—or causes damage to the unit—you could be held liable or face disputes over fault. Insurance may not cover DIY-related incidents.
2. Poor Workmanship
Even well-meaning tenants may lack the skills or tools to do the job properly. A botched repair often leads to higher costs and further damage.
3. Code Violations
Improper electrical, plumbing, or structural work can violate building codes and create safety issues that lead to fines or required remediation.
4. Warranty Voids
DIY fixes can void warranties on appliances or systems, especially if unauthorized parts are used or manufacturer protocols aren’t followed.
5. Tenant-Landlord Disputes
Disagreements can arise over what was agreed upon, who is responsible for damage, or whether repairs were done correctly. Without clear terms, it’s a legal gray area.
When It Might Be Okay
There are situations where light tenant maintenance or minor repairs could be reasonable—if clearly defined in writing. For example:
- Changing light bulbs or smoke detector batteries
- Tightening loose knobs or handles
- Resetting tripped breakers
- Lawn mowing (if specified in the lease)
- Replacing HVAC filters (often a tenant duty)
Pro tip: Always include a maintenance responsibility section in the lease agreement.
Best Practices If You Allow Limited DIY
If you're open to letting tenants handle some small repairs, put guardrails in place:
1. Define What’s Allowed in Writing
List out acceptable DIY tasks clearly in the lease or a maintenance addendum. Avoid vague language.
2. Require Approval First
Even for small jobs, ask tenants to submit a request before starting any repair or improvement. This gives you control and oversight.
3. Request Proof of Completion
Ask for before/after photos of the work, especially for anything that affects the condition of the property.
4. Provide Product Guidelines
If they’re replacing anything (e.g., a toilet seat or light fixture), specify brand, color, or model to maintain consistency across units.
5. Keep a Paper Trail
Document all conversations and approvals in writing to prevent misunderstandings later.
Alternatives to DIY: Speed and Responsiveness
Often, tenants offer to fix things because they don’t want to wait. The better solution? Build a fast, reliable system for responding to maintenance requests.
Tips:
- Offer a simple online reporting process
- Communicate expected repair timelines
- Follow up after completion to ensure satisfaction
Fast response reduces the temptation for DIY and builds trust that the property is being properly maintained.
Final Thought: DIY with Boundaries
Tenant involvement in maintenance can be helpful—but only when carefully controlled. In most cases, it’s safer to keep repairs in the hands of professionals and limit tenant DIY to clearly defined, low-risk tasks.
With the right policies, you can avoid unnecessary liability while still empowering tenants to take pride in their space. RentalRiff helps strike that balance—handling professional repairs through their network of vetted pros while making it easy for tenants to report issues and stay informed, without overstepping into risky DIY territory.