A trustworthy contractor usually has a network of tradespeople who can step in when the need arises. Find the right person and you may never have to search for qualified maintenance support again.

If you leave your rental in bad shape when you move out, your landlord can hold the cleaning costs from your security deposit. After all, it's your mess. But the security deposit is your money. You want as much of it back as possible, right? So what are your responsibilities?

A careful inspection of your property in the spring is necessary to identify issues that have developed during the cold winter months. Make a list of urgent and not-so-urgent repairs and keep it handy to remind you to make the repairs.