What to Do if You Damage a Wall in Your Apartment

You’re moving furniture or hanging a picture when it happens—a scratch, a dent, or a hole appears on the wall. Panicking won’t fix it, but having a plan will. Knowing what to do if you damage a wall in your apartment saves your security deposit and keeps your landlord happy. Most repairs take very little time and cost much less than losing your deposit money. You don’t need a professional for most minor issues.

Filling Small Nail Holes

Small holes from hanging pictures look bad, but they’re the easiest fix. To patch a small hole in your wall, you’ll need a tub of spackle and a putty knife. First, take a small amount of spackle with your finger or the knife and press it into the hole, swiping across it once to level it out. After letting it dry for an hour, sand it lightly until it’s flush with the wall. Finally, paint over the spot so it matches the rest of the wall.

Removing Scuffs and Marks

Furniture often leaves dark scuff marks when it rubs against paint. You can usually wipe these away without painting. A melamine foam sponge works best for this. Wet the sponge and squeeze out the excess water. Rub the scuff mark gently. Don’t scrub too hard or you’ll take the paint off too. Wipe the area with a clean, dry cloth afterward.

Patching Dents from Door Handles

A door handle hitting the wall leaves a noticeable dent or round hole. You need a self-adhesive mesh patch for this. Place the patch over the hole so it sticks to the wall. Apply joint compound over the patch with a wide putty knife. Feather the edges so the compound blends into the wall. Let it dry, sand it smooth, and paint it.

Dealing With Cracked Drywall

Cracks happen as buildings settle or when something hits the wall hard. If your drywall is cracked, you first need to determine if you need to tape it or replace it. Taping works for surface cracks, while deep structural damage requires cutting out the bad section and replacing it. For a simple crack, apply mesh tape over the line and cover it with joint compound. Sand it smooth once it dries.

Keep Your Security Deposit

Apartment living means occasional accidents happen. You have the tools and knowledge to handle them now.

Understanding what to do if you damage a wall in your apartment gives you control over your living space. Fix those issues as soon as they appear so you don’t have to rush when you move out. Your landlord will appreciate the effort, and you’ll keep your money.