
Living in an apartment means you rely on your landlord or property manager to keep your home safe and legal. But what if you, or someone you hire, tries to tackle a repair or upgrade without knowing the rules? A lot of the “quick fixes” people use can actually be illegal, putting your safety and your security deposit at risk. Building codes exist to protect residents from hazards like fires, electrical shocks, and structural failures. Ignoring them, even for what seems like a small project, can lead to fines, eviction, or even accidents. So, if you are planning on any improvements, take a moment to consideer these seven fixes and why it might be best not to DIY.