When something breaks in your rental home, it can be tempting to make a quick fix and move on. A little duct tape here, a zip tie there, or a YouTube-inspired repair might seem like an easy solution.
But when it comes to rental properties, some “handy” fixes can actually create bigger problems, safety concerns, and expensive repairs down the road.
At Key Property Management, we see plenty of creative solutions from time to time. While we appreciate the effort, some repairs are best left to the professionals.
Here are a few common rental-property fixes that may seem convenient but should generally be avoided.
1. Duct Tape on Plumbing
Duct tape has its place—but a leaking plumbing connection isn’t it.
Wrapping duct tape around a pipe or fitting may temporarily slow a leak, but it doesn’t properly repair the connection. Water can continue leaking behind cabinets, walls, or flooring, potentially causing water damage, mold, or deterioration.
Better solution: Report the leak to your property manager as soon as you notice it so the source can be properly inspected and repaired. Place a container under the leak as a preventative.
2. Extension Cords as Permanent Wiring
Extension cords are useful when you need temporary power. They’re not intended to replace permanent electrical wiring.
Using extension cords as a long-term solution, connecting multiple extension cords together, or running them under rugs can create trip and fire hazards.
Better solution: If an outlet isn’t working or you need an outlet in a particular area, submit a maintenance request. Electrical issues should be evaluated by a qualified professional.
3. DIY Electrical Repairs
Electrical problems are one area where being “handy” can quickly become dangerous.
Replacing outlets, changing wiring, bypassing electrical components, or attempting to repair a breaker without the proper knowledge can create shock and fire hazards.
Even if everything appears to be working afterward, an improper connection can remain a hidden safety issue.
Bottom line: Leave electrical repairs to qualified professionals.
4. Using Random Objects to Prop or Hold Something Together
We’ve all seen the creative solutions: a piece of cardboard holding something in place, a stick keeping a door open, or an object wedged underneath an appliance.
These fixes may work temporarily, but they can also create safety hazards or cause additional damage.
If something is loose, falling, sagging, or no longer staying where it should, it’s usually better to report it rather than improvise a permanent solution.
5. Covering Up a Leak Instead of Reporting It
A bucket underneath a leak is a great temporary way to protect your belongings while waiting for help.
But a bucket shouldn’t become the repair.
Likewise, painting over a water stain or covering damaged drywall without addressing the source of the moisture can allow the underlying problem to continue.
Remember: The visible damage isn’t always the actual problem. The source of the leak needs to be identified first.
6. Removing or Disabling Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is chirping, tenants may be tempted to remove the battery or disconnect the device.
Don’t.
A chirping alarm may indicate a low battery, malfunction, end-of-life condition, or another issue that needs attention.
Better solution: Contact your property manager and let them know what’s happening. Never disable a required safety device.
7. DIY Appliance Repairs
A washing machine that isn’t draining, a refrigerator that isn’t cooling, or a garbage disposal that isn’t working can be frustrating.
Before taking the appliance apart, submit a maintenance request.
Attempting to repair an appliance without the proper knowledge can cause additional damage—or turn a minor repair into a much more expensive one.
8. Using the Wrong Parts
A repair isn’t necessarily a good repair just because it stops the problem temporarily.
Using the wrong size fitting, incompatible plumbing part, incorrect hardware, or an improper replacement component can lead to leaks, damage, or premature failure.
When it comes to rental property repairs, “close enough” isn’t always good enough.
9. Painting, Caulking, or Patching Over the Problem
A fresh layer of caulk can make a bathroom look better. A little spackle can hide a hole. Paint can cover a stain.
But cosmetic fixes don’t always solve what’s happening underneath.
For example, recurring moisture, soft drywall, peeling paint, or deteriorating caulk may indicate a larger issue that needs to be addressed.
Before making repairs yourself, check with your property manager.
10. The “It Was Like That When I Moved In” Approach
One of the most helpful things a tenant can do is report problems early.
That small drip under the sink may become cabinet damage. A slow drain may become a clogged line. A loose toilet may eventually cause a leak.
Reporting a problem doesn’t mean you’re responsible for causing it. In many cases, early notice actually helps prevent a much larger repair.
A Good Rule of Thumb
If a repair involves electricity, plumbing, gas, structural components, appliances, safety devices, or anything that could cause significant property damage, don’t assume a quick DIY fix is the best answer.
And even for smaller issues, it’s always a good idea to check your lease and contact your property manager before making alterations or repairs.
Quick Fix vs. Proper Fix
There is a difference between doing something temporarily to protect the property and attempting to permanently repair something yourself.
For example:
Good temporary action:
- Put a bucket under a leak.
- Turn off water if there’s an active plumbing leak and you know where the shutoff is.
- Move belongings away from an active leak.
- Report the issue immediately.
Not a good idea:
- Permanently wrapping a leaking pipe in tape.
- Disconnecting an electrical component.
- Removing a smoke detector.
- Taking apart an appliance without authorization.
- Covering water damage without addressing the source.
When in Doubt, Report It
The best “handy” trick for a rental property is actually a simple one: let your property management team know when something isn’t working properly.
A small maintenance request today can prevent a much larger repair tomorrow.
At Key Property Management, we encourage tenants to report maintenance issues as soon as they notice them. Our goal isn’t just to fix problems—it’s to help keep rental homes safe, functional, and well-maintained for everyone.
See something? Say something. The sooner a problem is reported, the easier it may be to fix.
Works Cited
National Fire Protection Association. “Smoke Alarms at Home.” National Fire Protection Association, http://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/smoke-alarms. Accessed 11 Sept. 2026.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Extension Cords.” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, http://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/ExtensionCords.pdf. Accessed 11 Sept. 2026.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Fix a Leak Week.” United States Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week. Accessed 11 Sept. 2026.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Mold and Health.” United States Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-and-health. Accessed 11 Sept. 2026.
