Quick DIY fixes between tenancies

UK The advice on this site is written for the United Kingdom, mainly England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules — use the official guidance for the nation you live in, starting with GOV.UK.

US Tenant and landlord law varies by state, and sometimes by city. For federal housing information see HUD’s tenant rights page, then check your state attorney general or housing department for the local rules.

Australia Tenancy law varies by state and territory. Start with the official body where you live: NSW Fair Trading (NSW Government renting guidance), Consumer Affairs Victoria, Queensland’s Residential Tenancies Authority, Consumer and Business Services South Australia, or Consumer Protection Western Australia. Other territories have their own tenancy authorities.

Canada Tenancy law varies by province and territory. Start with the official guidance where you live: Renting in Ontario: your rights, British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Branch, Québec’s Tribunal administratif du logement, or Alberta’s information for landlords and tenants. For a national overview see CMHC’s landlord and tenant responsibilities. Other provinces and territories have their own tenancy authorities.

New Zealand Tenancy rules are set nationally. Start with official Tenancy Services guidance for tenants and landlords.

Ireland Start with the official Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Citizens Information also explains renting in Ireland in plain English.

We may earn from shop links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure

A short, planned list of small jobs between tenancies can make a home feel cared for and reduce arguments about the incoming inventory. This page is for private landlords in England. It is not a reason to skip gas, electrical or safety checks, and it is not a full refurbishment guide.

Your call

Go or no?

If it is a small, safe job that is yours to do, give it a go. We’ll point you to a beginner guide and a short shopping list. If you’d rather not, or the work needs a trade, say no and we’ll help you find someone local. If the job is the landlord’s, report it to them first.

Right then. Here’s a sensible starter kit, and links to the relevant guides.

No problem. We’ll show you how to find a local tradesperson.

This is about England

Most of what follows is written for private renting in England. It is general information, not legal advice, and it is not a ruling on your tenancy. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules — use the official guidance for the nation you live in. The country notes at the top of this page point to official starting points elsewhere too.

Walk the property with a list

Use the outgoing inventory and a slow walk-through. Note holes, failed silicone, dripping taps, cracked sockets (leave those to an electrician), mould, and anything that is a safety issue rather than a cosmetic one. Photograph as you go — see Keeping repair records.

Jobs that often fit a careful DIY window

Filling and touching up walls — Fill cracks in walls, and a small paint-out if the walls are otherwise sound — Paint a room
A clean new silicone bead at a bath or kitchen worktop, if the tiles are sound — Reseal a bath
A dripping tap or a running toilet, if the job is a simple washer or a like-for-like part and you are competent — otherwise use a plumber
A sticking door, a loose handle, a curtain pole, or a tired shed or fence if they form part of the let

What not to squeeze into a weekend

Gas work, the electrical installation, a boiler service, a consumer unit, a leaking roof, and serious damp are not “quick DIY”. Book a qualified person in time for the new tenancy, and do not cover a hazard with a fresh coat of paint.

Finish with a clean, honest inventory

A tidy, well-photographed incoming inventory prevents a lot of deposit trouble later. Do not describe a stained carpet as “good” because you ran out of time. If a job will not be finished by move-in day, say so in writing and agree when it will be done.

Official guidance

These official and specialist pages are the best place to confirm the rules for your situation. We have used them as the starting point for this article.

GOV.UK: Private renting — repairs — what remains your responsibility
GOV.UK: How to rent — the official checklist to give tenants in England
GOV.UK: Tenancy deposit protection — inventories and end-of-tenancy deductions sit in this context

FAQ

Should I recarpet or just clean?

If a clean will bring it to a fair, lettable standard, that is often enough. If it is worn out, replacing it may cost less than a dispute and a mid-tenancy complaint. Be honest on the inventory either way.

Can I do the gas safety check myself if I am handy?

No. It must be a Gas Safe registered engineer.

The outgoing tenant left a half-finished decorating job.

Photograph it, agree deductions through the proper deposit process if that is fair, and finish the work to a lettable standard before the next tenant moves in if you can.

DIY guide and shopping list

For small, safe jobs that are yours to do, these beginner guides will walk you through it. Do not use them for gas work, the electrical installation, or a leak that is the landlord’s to fix.

Useful starting points: Unblock a sink, Fill cracks in walls, Reseal a bath, and Hang a curtain pole.

Prices below are typical UK ranges, shown so the page can convert them for your country. Always check the live product page before you buy.

Item	Why you need it	Typical UK price
Plunger or sink unblocking tool	Clears a simple blockage you have caused.	Typically £5–£12
Ready-mixed filler and a filling knife	Fills picture-hook holes and small dents.	Typically £5–£10
Sandpaper or a sanding block	Smooths dried filler so a touch-up will sit flat.	Typically £4–£8
Kitchen-and-bathroom silicone	For a failing bead you are allowed to renew, if the agreement says you can.	Typically £6–£12

Shop this list:

Would rather not DIY? Find a local tradesperson

If the job is yours but you would rather not do it, a local handyman or plumber can often deal with a small fix. If the job is the landlord’s, report it to them first — they may already have someone they use.

We may earn from shop links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure

General guidance only. Check our disclaimer.