The banister is wobbly, how can I make it more sturdy?
+9
We are in a rental house, short of tearing out the whole railing, any ideas on how I can sure up a wobbly railing?
One side is fine the other...not so fine.
One side is fine the other...not so fine.
12 answers
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Report it to the landlord. It is a safety issue and the landlord should pay to fix it up for you. If you are renting via a real estate agent who is managing the property for the landlord you should not have any problem getting it fixed. There are laws that govern rental properties and the landlords obligations towards their tenants. Good luck.
![Carole]()
Carole
on Aug 30, 2015
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Yes, please contact your landlord.
![Z]()
Z
on Aug 31, 2015
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Yep - landlord is liable and needs to fix on his/her dime.
![Melody McSweeney]()
Melody McSweeney
on Aug 31, 2015
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If the landlord doesn't come through. . . squeeze wood glue into the opening that holds the spindles to the railing. Set the spindle so it is upright in its position. If you can’t get glue into the opening, fill a syringe with glue and inject the glue into the opening. Drill small holes suitable for 2d or 4d finishing nails at an angle through the baluster and into the railing to keep the wood from splitting. Drive the finishing nails into the pilot holes with a hammer to secure the baluster piece in place.
![MikkiGirl]()
MikkiGirl
on Aug 31, 2015
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Make sure you document your contact with the landlord, write down Dates you called them on the phone and also its a good idea to send them a Registered Letter, make a copy before sending.. and write down or save any info given during contact by phone or letter. If you don't get any Response then you can contact your Local government office that has to do with Rentals ( it could be the Board of Health/City Hall etc.. ?)
![Jean Thompson]()
Jean Thompson
on Aug 31, 2015
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Wow! Thanks everyone! Before we moved in, I asked about a railing to the basement. Realtor said that if there wasn't one there would be by the time we moved in, safety issue, so this should not be a problem. We've fixed and painted a lot since we moved in, and my mind set was on self repair! Thanks for reminding me who's responsibility it is. And MikkiGirl, excellent info for backup plan if the realtor falls thru!😊☺️👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
![Bonnie witlam]()
Bonnie witlam
on Aug 31, 2015
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I had the same problem!!!! We used a drill that had a bit that would sink the screws into the wood and we screwed 2 screws on each side in the bottom of the end post. Then we glued small pieces of trim around the bottom to cover up the screws or you could just tap caps into the screw holes to cover them
![Shauna]()
Shauna
on Aug 31, 2015
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They sell kits that secure the newel posts, depending on which wood typel you choose, they're $20-25? We install them all the time for clients who are either selling, or have just moved into a home with a shaky banister. We shop Lowe's, but I'm sure HD and other HI stores carry them as well. It should be on the landlord to fix it, but if he doesn't, I'd rather be safe than sorry... :)
![Susan Thompson]()
Susan Thompson
on Aug 31, 2015
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Call your landlord, it is a hazard and if you fall, he is liable . He owes you a rental that is safe.
![Johnchip]()
Johnchip
on Aug 31, 2015
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Following
![Pat Bialek]()
Pat Bialek
on Aug 31, 2015
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There is a large bolt in the main banister of the stairs. Just had to tighten bolt and that steadied the whole thing!
![Bonnie witlam]()
Bonnie witlam
on Feb 15, 2016
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There is a large bolt in the main banister of the stairs. Just had to tighten bolt and that steadied the whole thing!
![Bonnie witlam]()
Bonnie witlam
on Feb 15, 2016
Carole
on Aug 30, 2015
Z
on Aug 31, 2015
Melody McSweeney
on Aug 31, 2015
MikkiGirl
on Aug 31, 2015
Jean Thompson
on Aug 31, 2015
Shauna
on Aug 31, 2015
Susan Thompson
on Aug 31, 2015
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