Congrats!! You just signed the lease to your very FIRST apartment! Now you are in charge for paying rent, maintaining the apartment, and learning to live on your own!

Good News/Bad News The good thing about renting vs. owning is you have a landlord to give complaints and maintenance needs to…but that can take a long time to get what you need. Wouldn’t it be better to be able to do a quick fix yourself?

Recommended Monthly Home Maintenance Check smoke detectors Check smoke detectors Check fire extinguishers Check fire extinguishers Clean garbage disposals Clean garbage disposals Check for evidence of leaks around toilets, sinks, dishwashers, washing machine Check for evidence of leaks around toilets, sinks, dishwashers, washing machine Unclog drains Unclog drains Test appliances Test appliances

Basic Tools BENCH RULE TAPE MEASURE HACK SAW CARPENTERS, SPIRIT LEVEL Nails & Screws

PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER Basic Tools STANDARD SCREWDRIVER STRIAGHT-CLAW, RIPPING HAMMER NEEDLE NOSE PLERS SLIP JOINT PLIERS Ladder

Basic Tools ADJUSTABLE OPEN END WRENCH PUTTY KNIFE UTILITY KNIFE Pipe Wrench Gloves Goggles

Hazards Workers using hand and power tools may be exposed to these hazards:  Objects that fall, fly, are abrasive, or splash  Harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, and gases  Frayed or damaged electrical cords  Hazardous connections and improper grounding  Vibration and impact

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11 Hand Tools - Protection Keep floor surface where working free from debris and tripping or slipping hazards Keep cutting tools sharp Use tools as they were intended to be used Keep “ non-working” hand away from tool as much as possible Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses and gloves

Hand Tool Safety Carry with sharp point downward Pass handle first Wear eye protection with striking tools Do not use broken tools Operate according to manufacturers’ instructions Keep tools properly sharpened Keep tools and material off the floor Inspect before use Use the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Electric Power Tool Safety Keep cord and tool dry at all times Be sure switch is off before plugging the tool in Remove key from drills immediately after use Wear eye protection If conditions are dusty, wear a dust mask After turning machine off hold it firmly until it comes to a dead stop Keep cord away from blades and moving parts

OSHA Office of Training and Education 14

Basic Home Repairs -Fix a hole in the wall -Hang a shelf/ large photo (not just using command strips) -Unit build (desk, shelving unit, bed, etc.) -Prime/Paint walls -Add & remove wallpaper -Fix the toilet -Fix a broken window (frame and glass) -Fix the faucet/shower -Unclog a drain -Fix shingles on the roof -Cleaning the outside gutters -Fix the garbage disposal

Although it can save you a lot of $ to know the basics and do your own repairs…know when to leave it to the pros and when to ask for help if you cannot complete the task yourself!

If…you think this is a solid plan…

If…you turned your laundry room into a foam pit

If…you’re this guy…

If…you make the situation worse than it started…

If…you acquired a new pet

You’ll want to maintain a clean and functional apartment because when you decide to move out you’ll have a LARGE checklist to complete to get your security deposit back!! So fix problems as they occur, don’t wait until they pile up on you.