There's no need to stress out the moment that bathroom sink faucet starts to drip. Before wondering if you're in charge of such repairs, check your rental agreement. In most cases, the contract discusses which repairs are the landlord's responsibility and which may be yours.

When getting a unit ready to rent, habitability issues come first. Four essential tasks can be completed without much investment of time and money, but five others may require a modest investment.

If you own rental properties, you know that each one needs a maintenance schedule. You have a couple of alternatives if you don't want to pay a property manager or maintenance service.

Like people, appliances get sick, and when they do, they display recognizable symptoms. Looking for these symptoms when you test appliances usually doesn't require any tools.

A landlord is required to provide a safe and habitable residence, but landlords and tenants share responsibility for keeping it that way. Tenants should maintain sanitary conditions and contact the landlord whenever repairs are needed.

Landlords need tools and supplies for painting, basic repair, and cleaning. It's also important to have copies of important paperwork and spare keys to deal with lockouts.

Keep your rental property safe by monitoring GFI outlets, smoke detectors, railings, structural repairs, door locks, lead paint, pest control, and appliance maintenance.

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.

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.

Dear Maintenance Men: I am going to university and want [...]