Get authorization before touching the wall

MoveReady's conservative renter workflow begins with the lease, move-out instructions, and written property-manager direction. Ask whether tiny nail holes should be left, filled only, or filled and painted, and whether the property has an approved product or paint. This is an editorial gate for limiting unapproved work, not a nationwide statement about what a tenant is legally permitted or required to repair.

  • Save the request and reply with the unit record.
  • Do not assume a prior tenant's repair method is permitted.
  • If instructions conflict, pause and ask for clarification.

Confirm it is a tiny surface defect

A routine nail hole is small, dry, stable, and limited to the visible finish or drywall face. Do not enlarge it, insert a probe, or open the wall. Under this site's conservative boundary, report crushed or loose drywall, torn paper, repeated cracking, movement, moisture, softness, scorching, odor, or any condition that is not clearly a tiny surface defect.

  • Photograph the full wall and a close-up with a neutral size reference.
  • Count and map the holes before starting.
  • MoveReady excludes ceiling repair and any work intended to locate hidden utilities.

Screen lead paint and suspect asbestos before abrasion

EPA warns that renovation activities disturbing paint in pre-1978 housing can create hazardous lead dust. A renter should not casually sand, scrape, drill, or cut old or unknown paint; establish a lead-safe path with management and use a lead-safe certified professional where applicable. If old texture or another suspect material would be disturbed, EPA advises using a trained or accredited asbestos professional because asbestos cannot be confirmed by sight.

  • Do not power sand.
  • Do not dry-scrape flaking old paint.
  • Stop if the repair would disturb textured coating, old tile, or another suspect material.

Use the exact filler instructions for an approved repair

For an authorized tiny hole with no red flags, DAP's nail-hole guidance illustrates a manufacturer-specific workflow: select a compatible lightweight filler, press a small amount into the defect, remove excess, allow it to dry as directed, and prepare for paint only if required. Follow the exact product label for surface preparation, maximum defect size, drying, sanding, priming, and paint compatibility rather than generalizing one brand's steps.

  • Test on a discreet permitted area if finish compatibility is uncertain.
  • Use the least material needed; a raised mound creates more finishing work.
  • Do not use filler to cover moisture, cracks, or loose substrate.

Decide whether paint is authorized

A filled spot may need primer or paint according to the filler and coating instructions, but the renter should not improvise a coating system or repaint a wall without permission. If management does not supply an approved paint or prefers to handle coating, leave the dry authorized patch documented instead of guessing at a finish or creating a larger area of work.

  • Record the paint name, color code, sheen, and source if management supplies it.
  • Avoid sanding to chase a cosmetic blend on old or unknown paint.
  • A visually close patch is not a promise of acceptance.

Create a factual before-during-after record

HUD's move-in/move-out form demonstrates a room-by-room condition-record approach in its program context. Use that concept neutrally: preserve original wide and close photos, note room, wall, date, authorization, product, and observed result, and keep the files in a stable folder. This record documents what you saw and did; it does not decide legal responsibility, define normal wear, or guarantee a deposit return.

  • Keep original files and avoid edits that overwrite timestamps.
  • Photograph the area under similar lighting when practical.
  • Follow the lease and official state or local process for any required notice.

Sources

Use The Move-Out Surface Repair System