Sources for Rental-Friendly Quick Fixes

The sources behind Rental-Friendly Quick Fixes: The Damage-Free Repair Guide. Each was opened and read in November 2026. The numbers match the source list at the back of the guide.

Source list

1. California Department of Real Estate, California Tenants: A Guide to Residential Tenants' and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities, 2025 Edition
   Used for: Who handles repairs, habitability, move-in inventory and photos, normal wear and tear vs. damage, deposit deductions, and putting repair promises in writing.
2. New York State Office of the Attorney General, Residential Tenants' Rights Guide
   Used for: Warranty of habitability, deposit return timing, pre-move-out inspection, smoke detectors, reasonable modifications, and keeping records.
3. Office of the Texas Attorney General, “Renter's Rights”
   Used for: The lease as the main source, written repair notices, smoke detectors, deposit return, and normal wear vs. damage.
4. Minnesota Attorney General's Office, “Moving into an Apartment”
   Used for: Inspecting before you sign, a signed list of problems, photos before and after, and written repair requests.
5. North Dakota Office of Attorney General, “Tenant Rights”
   Used for: Condition records, deposit return with an itemized list, and normal wear.
6. Louisiana Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, Moving In, Moving Out
   Used for: Signed condition checklists, written consent for alterations, and repair requests in writing.
7. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “State Information” and “Housing Discrimination Under the Fair Housing Act”
   Used for: Finding your state's official resources, and fair housing protections. Also: Fair Housing Act overview.
8. U.S. EPA, “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home”
   Used for: The 10-square-foot line for small mold spots, cleanup basics, and reporting leaks.
9. U.S. EPA WaterSense, “Fix a Leak Week”
   Used for: Running toilets, flappers, the dye test, and dripping faucets.
10. U.S. EPA, “Protect Your Family from Sources of Lead”
    Used for: Lead paint in pre-1978 homes and not disturbing old paint.
11. U.S. EPA, “Real Estate Disclosures about Potential Lead Hazards”
    Used for: Lead disclosure for most pre-1978 rentals.
12. U.S. Department of Energy, “Renters” and “5 Tips for Energy-Saving Renters”
    Used for: Drafts, caulk, weatherstripping, and draft stoppers. Also: 5 Tips for Energy-Saving Renters.
13. U.S. Department of Energy, Consumer Guide to Air Sealing the Home (2021)
    Used for: Weatherstripping types and door sweeps, and leaving flues and vents to a professional.
14. U.S. DOE Building America Solution Center (PNNL), “Add Weatherstrip to Windows and Doors”
    Used for: Finding drafts and choosing weatherstrip.
15. Harrison, M. N., Making Simple Repairs series and Keeping It Safe, University of Florida IFAS Extension (2002, rev. 2005)
    Used for: Toolbox basics, wall holes, tub cracks, plungers and clogged drains, doors and locks, drawers, screens, and light fixtures.
16. Oregon State University Extension Service, Home Plumbing Problems, FS 192 (rev. 1982)
    Used for: How a running toilet works, and cautions on chemical drain cleaners.
17. Purdue University Extension (D. A. Schroeder), “Home Carpet Cleaning” (May 2021)
    Used for: Blotting and cleaning carpet spills.
18. U.S. Fire Administration, “Smoke Alarms”
    Used for: Testing smoke alarms and not disabling them.
19. Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, “Natural Gas Consumer Safety”
    Used for: What to do if you smell gas.
20. National Capital Poison Center (Poison Control), “What's in drain cleaner and what happens if you drink it?”
    Used for: Using drain cleaner safely, and Poison Help.

Where sources disagree

When sources disagree, the guide follows the newer or more cautious one:

• Testing smoke alarms. The University of Florida series (2005) says every two or three months. The U.S. Fire Administration says monthly. The guide uses monthly.
• Running toilets. Oregon State's 1982 bulletin describes older ball floats; EPA describes flappers. The guide uses EPA's flapper language and Oregon State only for how the overflow tube works.
• Weatherstripping. DOE calls it a reasonable do-it-yourself job. The guide adds that renters should ask first, because adhesives can pull paint. That's labeled as a practical addition.
• Deposit rules. Every state is different. The guide shows a few states only as labeled examples and tells you to check your own.

Laws change. Always check your own lease and your state's official tenant resources.

Questions about a source? Email vgemail@zohomail.com.