Rental Turnover Repairs: what a handyman does
Between tenants or guests, walk the unit with a checklist, photograph everything, and send one combined list. We patch and touch up walls, fix doors and hardware, redo caulk, replace blinds and bulbs, and test alarms. Plumbing, electrical and roofing problems go to licensed independent contractors.
Jobs we take on
Tap one to add it to your list.
- Patch nail holes and dings, then prime and touch up paint
- Adjust doors, replace worn hardware and fix latches and strikes
- Re-caulk tubs, showers, sinks and windows
- Tighten or replace cabinet hinges, pulls and drawer slides
- Replace broken blinds, screens, towel bars and curtain rods
- Swap bulbs and damaged switch and outlet cover plates
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries or old units
- Replace HVAC filters and re-secure loose trim and baseboards
- Assemble or repair furniture in furnished and short-term units
Signs it is time to call
- Walls show holes, scuffs or patched spots from the last occupant
- Caulk is cracked or dark at wet areas
- Doors rub, locks stick or hardware is loose
- You cannot remember when alarms were last tested
- Guests or tenants have reported small problems that were never fixed
What is not a handyman job
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors. Mold, sewage or large water damage goes to a professional, and the EPA says not to paint or caulk over moldy surfaces. In pre-1978 housing, the EPA says paid work that disturbs paint must be done by lead-safe certified firms. Security deposit and lease questions belong with an attorney or official Illinois and local sources.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What a visit looks like
- Send your checklist and photos ahead. We group the work so one visit covers as much as possible.
- We can work around your vacancy window if you tell us the dates.
- We keep a list of what was done, so you have it for your records.
- Anything that needs a licensed trade is listed for you to hand to that contractor.
Common questions
What is the first thing to check between tenants?
Alarms. The Illinois State Fire Marshal says homeowners, landlords and building owners must install carbon monoxide detectors within 15 feet of rooms used for sleeping where fuel is burned or there is an attached garage. Test every alarm and check the batteries. Local rules may add more.
Does the lead paint rule apply to my rental?
It can. The EPA says its Renovation, Repair and Painting rule applies to paid work that disturbs paint in housing built before 1978, and that a rental owner or manager must comply. Tell us the build year before any scraping or sanding, and ask any contractor about lead-safe certification when the rule applies.
Can I handle the security deposit with your list?
We can provide a record of work done, but we cannot advise on deposits. Illinois rules on returning deposits depend on the building and recent changes. Check the current law on ilga.gov or ask an attorney, and keep dated before and after photos.
Do you work on short-term rentals?
Yes. The same checklist works between guests: hardware, bulbs, caulk, screens, towel bars and furniture repair. Guest-facing safety items like alarms come first. Tell us your turnover windows so jobs are planned around the next check-in.