What can i do about old rotting wood around the bathroom for very chea

Lisa Garvin
by Lisa Garvin
I live in a rent home that o love! But it needs some serious work in the bathrooms :( i dont have much money so i need a very inexpensive way to fix this major problem!? Please ! The wood is rotten all around the baseboards behind the commode and it looks terrible :( IM EMBARASSED AT THE WAY IT LOOKS AND FOR EVEN SENDING PICTURES!! Im a very clean person and love my home clean BUT I dont have much money to spend :( ANY IDEAS PLEASE :)
  10 answers
  • Since this is a rental, your landlord is responsible for repairs - not you! By law they are to provide you with a safe, clean, liveable space, no matter how much rent you pay. This damage looks more extensive than a typical homeowner DIY. I get you do not want o make things difficult between you and your landlord, but this would be a health code violation. If your landlord does not want to help, contact your local HUD office for assistance. I am worried about mold, which can be very unhealthy.

  • Toni Toni on Jan 07, 2018

    you can get scrap pieces of wood from Home Depot and also Lowe’s back in the lumber department and you can even cut it there or they will cut it for you just either take the old piece with you or measure first.

    • Lisa Garvin Lisa Garvin on Jan 08, 2018

      Thank you so much for your help :) i do believe i will have to fix it myself :( So your reply helps me very much :) Thank you for taking time to help :)

  • Chubby58 Chubby58 on Jan 07, 2018

    Definitely talk to your landlord. There could be A leak underneath there somewhere. If it is, there is more damage to come.

    • Lisa Garvin Lisa Garvin on Jan 08, 2018

      Thank you for your help. There is currently no leak. But the previous tenant did have a major leak and yes it did lots of damage :( i was just hoping i could possibly do something to fix this ugly terrible mess :( Thank you again for your help :)

  • William William on Jan 07, 2018

    Do not do any repairs or modifications without your landlords permission in writing. You could lose your security deposit....plus. This kind of repair is the landlord's responsibility. Anything you do may cause more damage than you want.

  • Xar29663747 Xar29663747 on Jan 07, 2018

    This looks to be a rot issue, which the property owner should be interested in repairing. Have you talked to your landlord about it? If there is a slow leak, the problem will not go away without the toilet being reseated. (or the leak found). The entire floor will rot away if the causative problem is not addressed.

    If the landlord is not interested in preserving his investment, You could try a temporary fix to your cleaning problem by spraying or rolling some of that rubber stuff they advertise on TV. (go for the white stuff) Once covered, you have a waterproof surface of some sort to put some kind of flooring over. I'd check the Habitat for Humanity stores for small amounts of flooring. Or the super discount stores.

    Whether or not you do a repair, Be sure to minimize the mold issue by spraying chlorine bleach on the area and allowing to dry. (close off the room and open the window in there so you don't fume yourself or spread mold or fungus). Do it a couple times to allow the bleach to work as best it can. You won't get all the mold, but it should help while you're living there.


    If your landlord can't afford to fix the problem ask if they'll allow you to abate your rent by the amount of the receipts for materials. Get agreements in writing to protect both parties involved.

  • Barbara Barbara on Jan 08, 2018

    If this is a rental, your landlord is responsible for this. you should not have to pay to have this fixed. It is not only unsightly, it is a health hazard.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Feb 03, 2023

    Your landlord is responsible for this repair, draw it to their attention right away, If you attempt to repair it without their permission IN WRITING, they can repair after you leave and take the repair cost from your security deposit. This is why you take pictures before and after you rent a place. if it was pre-existing, then it is not on you.

  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 05, 2023

    If you are a renter the landlord should take care of this. Anything that is rotting is something they need to address.

    and like Redcatcec stated get this in writing. You need a paper trail to prove you attempted to contact and work this out with the landlord.

  • Libbie B Libbie B on Feb 13, 2023

    Did your landlord repair this for you?

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Feb 24, 2023

    You must inform the Landlord about this problem with his /her property and allow them to fix it, befor it gets any worse. Best wishes.