10 Common Home Repairs Every Property Owner Should Know

As a property owner, sometimes you need to roll up your sleeves and fix up your property. Even if you find the most well behaved and careful tenants, wear and tear is bound to happen. Since property maintenance is a normal part of life as a real estate investor, it is important you are ready for whatever may come your way. So, here is a list of ten common home repairs you should be prepared for.

However, before we get started, if you want to learn more about how you can draw out Equity from your investments to finance your home repair projects today, click the link below to book a free strategy call with our team today.

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1. Water Leaks and Drips

If water is leaking from your pipes and faucets, you need to take care of it as soon as possible. Not only can water damage quickly lead to mold and mildew buildup, but a consistent drip from your plumbing can end up costing you hundreds of dollars each year on your water bill.

Leaks typically occur in one of two places: the supply line, or the drain. To determine where your leak is coming from, try running the water and check to see where the water comes from. Usually leaks occur when the pipes do not fit together properly, or the seal has worn down. So, once you have found the source, you can either make the repair yourself or hire a plumber to do so if you do not have the experience.

2. Weatherproofing

The weatherproofing on your property is like a safety barrier between your investment and harsh weather outside. If the weatherproofing begins to wear, you may find that water will find its way into the property, or the heating and cooling system will have to work harder to maintain a comfortable climate in the home.

Typically you will notice this when water appears under windows, or your ceiling begins to leak. In this case, you should hire a roofer or contractor to come by and make the necessary home repairs.

3. Lack of Hot Water

If the hot water in your property is not running, there is usually a problem with your hot water heater. Sometimes, this can be caused by the heating element wearing down, while other times you may need to completely replace the heater. To properly figure out the source of the problem and complete the home repairs, it is recommended that you hire a plumber.

4. Broken Appliances

If your rental property comes with appliances such as a fridge, oven, or dishwasher, you may get a call from your tenants to report that they are broken. In this case you should immediately find a skilled technician to look to see what caused the problem and if they can be repaired. If they are not able to be restored back to working order, you will need to replace these as quickly as possible to minimize the inconvenience and discomfort it will cause for your tenant.

5. Heating and Cooling

Another urgent home repair you may need to respond to is a problem with the heating and cooling system. Depending on the time of year, a failure in your heating and cooling system can cause serious health concerns. If you are having problems with your heating and cooling system, you should call a professional straight away for the sake of your renter’s health and comfort.

6. Pest Problems

Pest control is easily one of the most annoying home repair tasks for a property owner to take care of because most of the time, the problem is the tenant’s fault. Regardless of which mess or open entryway allowed the pests into the home, it is still your job to deal with the home repairs and take care of the infestation.

If you find that your property has any bugs or rodents crawling around, you should hire a pest control professional to come and remove them. At the same time, make sure that any holes or cracks in the property are filled in and repaired so that you do not have to worry about the pests coming back. As well, if you have a pest issue, take the time to educate your tenant on how to prevent pests from entering the property. Sometimes, if the damages are proven to be the tenant’s fault, you may be able to make them pay for part or all the home repair expenses.

7. Electrical Concerns

Faulty wiring, blown breakers and frequent shortages are all electrical problems that can frustrate both your tenants and you. For the sake of safety and efficiency, you should always call a reliable electrician to handle these types of home repair scenarios. These trained eyes are also more likely to spot underlying issues and hidden problems.

8. Drywall Repairs

If your drywall has holes or cracks, whether it is from water damage, renovations, or another source, you should have it patched and filled. Fortunately, drywall is easy to patch and can be done yourself quickly and cost effectively. This is one of those home repair tasks that is quite simple to do, but can go a long way to make your property look more valuable.

9. Smoke Detectors

For the safety of your tenants, you should always have fully functional smoke detectors in your properties. If a detector begins chirping, that is often a sign it needs to be repaired, replaced or it requires new batteries. So, make sure that whenever your tenants tells you that their alarm has begun to chirp, you come by to replace the batteries or the entire detector.

10. Garbage Disposals

This home repair task is not as common as the others. While not all properties have a garbage disposal, it can still be valuable to know what to do in the event one breaks in case you ever get one. The leading cause of a broken disposal is improper use, so start by making sure your tenants know what can and cannot go into the disposal.

Usually, a broken disposal is caused by one of two things. Either it is stuck and simply needs to be unclogged and freed to spin again, or the motor has burnt out and the entire disposal needs to be replaced by a professional.

Refinancing For Home Repair

Did you know that one of the easiest ways to finance your home repair projects is by using equity from the property itself? Fortunately for you, our team at LendCity can help you draw out that equity so you can get your home repair projects started.

If you would like to learn more about the world of real estate investing or are interested in securing financing for your next real estate investment, contact us at LendCity. Our team will gladly answer any questions you may have. To reach us you can call 519-960-0370 or you can visit us online at LendCity.ca

Alternatively, click the link below for a free strategy call with our team at LendCity.

Book Your Strategy Call

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I inspect my rental property for maintenance issues?

You should conduct a thorough inspection of your rental property at least twice a year—ideally in spring and fall. This allows you to catch weather-related damage and prepare for seasonal changes. Additionally, schedule inspections during tenant turnover and respond promptly to any maintenance requests from current tenants.

What home repairs am I legally required to make as a landlord?

Landlords are legally required to maintain properties in a habitable condition. This includes functioning heating and cooling systems, working plumbing, safe electrical systems, and proper weatherproofing. Smoke detectors must be operational, and any issues affecting tenant health or safety must be addressed promptly. Specific requirements vary by province, so check your local landlord-tenant laws.

Should I hire professionals or do home repairs myself?

Simple repairs like patching drywall, replacing smoke detector batteries, or basic weatherproofing can often be done yourself. However, electrical work, plumbing repairs, HVAC issues, and anything involving gas lines should always be handled by licensed professionals. DIY work in these areas can create safety hazards and may void your insurance coverage.

How can I budget for unexpected home repairs on my rental property?

A good rule of thumb is to set aside 1-2% of your property's value annually for maintenance and repairs. Some investors prefer to reserve one month's rent per year. Building this reserve fund ensures you can handle unexpected repairs without financial strain. You can also use home equity or refinancing options to fund larger repair projects.

Can I charge tenants for repairs caused by their negligence?

Yes, if you can prove the damage was caused by tenant negligence rather than normal wear and tear. Common examples include pest infestations caused by poor housekeeping, clogged garbage disposals from improper use, or holes in walls. Document the damage thoroughly and reference your lease agreement, which should outline tenant responsibilities.

How quickly do I need to respond to emergency repair requests?

Emergency repairs—such as no heat in winter, gas leaks, flooding, or electrical hazards—require immediate attention, typically within 24 hours or less. Non-emergency repairs should generally be addressed within a reasonable timeframe, usually 1-7 days depending on the severity. Many provinces have specific timelines landlords must follow for different types of repairs.

What preventive maintenance can reduce my long-term repair costs?

Regular preventive maintenance includes annual HVAC servicing, cleaning gutters seasonally, inspecting roof and weatherproofing annually, testing smoke detectors monthly, flushing water heaters yearly, and checking for water leaks regularly. These simple steps can prevent costly emergency repairs and extend the lifespan of major systems.

Should I get a home warranty for my investment property?

Home warranties can provide peace of mind by covering major systems and appliances, but they're not always cost-effective for experienced investors. Evaluate the warranty cost against your property's age and condition. Newer properties may not need coverage, while older homes with aging systems might benefit. Always read the fine print for coverage limitations and exclusions.

How do I find reliable contractors for home repairs?

Build relationships with reliable contractors before you need them. Ask other investors for recommendations, check online reviews, verify licensing and insurance, and get multiple quotes for larger jobs. Start with small repairs to test their work quality and reliability before trusting them with bigger projects. Keep a list of trusted professionals for each trade.

Can I deduct home repair costs on my rental property taxes?

Yes, most repair and maintenance expenses for rental properties are tax-deductible in the year they're incurred. This includes fixing leaks, repainting, and replacing broken appliances. However, improvements that add value or extend the property's life (like a new roof or renovation) must be capitalized and depreciated over time. Consult with a tax professional for specific guidance.

Disclaimer: LendCity Mortgages is a licensed mortgage brokerage, and our team includes experienced real estate investors. While we are qualified to provide mortgage-related guidance, the broader financial, tax, and legal information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial planning, tax, or legal advice. For matters outside mortgage financing, we recommend consulting a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), licensed financial planner, or qualified legal advisor.

Written by

LendCity

Published

December 31, 2025