Why This Checklist Saves You Money

Security deposits typically equal one to two months' rent — a significant chunk of money that landlords are permitted to withhold if the rental is returned in worse condition than it was received (accounting for normal wear and tear). The catch? "Normal wear and tear" is a gray area, and many landlords charge for things a renter could have fixed for a few dollars and an hour of effort.

Working through this checklist room by room gives you a clear picture of what needs attention before your landlord does the final walkthrough. For readers who want to build broader DIY confidence, our beginner's guide to DIY home repairs covers toolkit basics and which fixes are renter-safe.

Check Your Lease Before Picking Up a Brush

Always review your specific lease agreement before starting repairs. Some leases prohibit tenants from painting or making alterations — even corrective ones — without prior written landlord approval. When in doubt, contact your landlord first to avoid inadvertently voiding a provision or creating a new liability.

Always review your specific lease agreement before starting repairs. Some leases prohibit tenants from painting or making alterations — even corrective ones — without prior written landlord approval. When in doubt, contact your landlord first.

Tools and Supplies You'll Need

Most of the repairs on this checklist require only basic supplies available at any hardware store for well under $50 total. Gather everything before you start so you can move efficiently from room to room.

Required

Spackling compound and putty knife

Fill and smooth nail holes and minor wall dents before painting.

Required

Fine-grit sandpaper (120–220 grit)

Sand patched areas smooth for a clean, even paint surface.

Required

Touch-up paint (matched to existing wall color)

Cover patched spots and scuffs so repairs blend with surrounding walls.

Required

Drywall patch kit

Repair larger holes in drywall left by anchors or accidental impacts.

Required

Caulk gun and tub/tile caulk

Re-seal cracked or moldy caulk lines around sinks, tubs, and showers.

Required

Screwdriver set (flathead and Phillips)

Tighten loose fixtures, hinges, outlet covers, and switch plates.

Required

Smartphone or camera

Document the property's condition with timestamped photos before and after repairs.

Optional

Drain snake or enzymatic drain cleaner

Clear slow-running drains in sinks, showers, and tubs before handover.

The Room-by-Room Repair Checklist

Work through each category below systematically. Check off items as you complete them, and photograph each repair before and after — this documentation is your evidence if any deposit dispute arises.

Walls and Ceilings

Fill small nail holes (under ¼ inch) with spackling compound, let dry fully, then sand smooth and touch up with matching paint. Must
Repair larger holes (drywall anchors, doorknob impacts) using a drywall patch kit, feathering compound at the edges before painting. Must
Wipe down all walls with a slightly damp sponge to remove scuffs, crayon marks, and grease — many marks vanish without any paint needed. Should
Touch up any chipped or scuffed paint using the original paint color; if unavailable, bring a paint chip to a hardware store for color matching. Should
Check ceilings for water stains or peeling — flag any that existed at move-in using your original condition report rather than attempting to hide them. Must

Floors

Clean all hard floors thoroughly — including corners and along baseboards — using an appropriate cleaner for the floor type (wood, tile, vinyl). Must
Have carpets professionally cleaned if they are visibly stained or heavily soiled beyond routine use; keep the receipt as documentation. Should
Address minor carpet stains with a spot-treatment cleaner before resorting to professional cleaning. Nice to have
Check for loose or cracked floor tiles and report pre-existing damage using move-in documentation rather than assuming liability. Must

Doors and Windows

Tighten loose door hinges using the existing screws; if a screw won't tighten, insert a wooden toothpick with wood glue and re-drive the screw once dry. Should
Test every door for smooth operation — lubricate hinges with a drop of household oil if they squeak or stick. Nice to have
Clean all window tracks and frames; replace any broken window locks or handles that are your responsibility per the lease. Must
Inspect window screens for tears and replace damaged ones — screen replacement kits cost only a few dollars and are straightforward to use. Should

Kitchen and Bathrooms

Deep-clean the oven, stovetop, exhaust fan filter, and refrigerator interior — including drip pans and coils — to avoid cleaning-fee deductions. Must
Fix a dripping faucet by replacing the washer or cartridge — a straightforward repair that prevents a deduction for wasted water damage. Should
Re-caulk around the tub, shower, or sink if the existing caulk is cracked, moldy, or peeling; remove old caulk completely before applying new. Should
Scrub grout lines in tiled areas using a grout cleaner or a paste of baking soda and vinegar to lift discoloration. Nice to have
Clear any slow drains using a drain snake or enzymatic drain cleaner before move-out. Should

Fixtures and Fittings

Replace all burned-out light bulbs with the correct wattage and base type throughout the unit. Must
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries; note in writing if any unit is faulty beyond a battery swap. Must
Reinstall any removed fixtures (towel bars, curtain rods, shelving brackets) that were in place at move-in, patching and painting any damage they caused. Must

Never Attempt Electrical, Gas, or Structural Repairs

DIY repairs on electrical wiring, gas lines, load-bearing structures, or plumbing connected to the main supply are dangerous and commonly require licensed professionals and permits. If you've identified damage in these areas, notify your landlord in writing immediately and let a qualified tradesperson handle the work. Attempting these repairs yourself can be unsafe and may put you in breach of your lease.

Don't Confuse Normal Wear and Tear With Damage

Landlords cannot legally charge for normal wear and tear — things like minor scuffs from furniture, small nail holes from hanging pictures, or faded paint from sunlight. Focus your repair efforts on genuine damage you caused, and keep your original move-in condition report handy to dispute any unfair claims.

After the Repairs: Final Steps Before Handover

Once you've completed your repairs, do one final walkthrough using a critical eye — pretend you're the landlord. Look at walls in raking light (hold a flashlight at an angle to the surface) to catch uneven patches. Run every faucet, flush every toilet, and test every light switch and outlet.

Take a comprehensive set of timestamped photos and videos of every room, focusing on any area you repaired. If possible, request a pre-move-out inspection with your landlord — many states give tenants this right, and it lets you address concerns before the final walkthrough rather than after you've handed over the keys.

Managing move costs is part of a broader effort to keep your budget in check. If you're also reviewing recurring expenses at this stage of life, our room-by-room energy audit is useful whether you're staying or going to a new place.

This article is for general informational purposes only. Repair requirements vary by state, local housing code, and individual lease terms. Verify your obligations with your lease and, where applicable, a qualified housing professional.