A roof usually needs regular checks and repairs when damage is found—not a new repair every year.
Why it matters: A small leak caught early can prevent wet insulation, mold, and damaged ceilings.
Written guidance reviewed: September 17, 2026 · Sources and equipment assumptions are below.
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Understand the job before starting
This is an observation task from a safe location, not permission to access the roof.
A common mistake to avoid
A limited view does not justify climbing to complete the checklist.
Use what you already have. Check each item when it is ready.
Before you begin
Stay on the ground. Leave roof walking, ladder work, loose shingles, and gutters out of reach to an insured professional. Renters report damage rather than order roof work.
0 of 4 steps checked0%
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Do it with me
Your step position saves on this browser. Use the picture when available, then check the written result.
STEP 1 OF 4
Find out who is responsible
Start here: Confirm who arranges roof care.
Example: Confirm who arranges roof care. Follow the written step.
Read-aloud is available in supported browsers; the written steps always remain available.
For an apartment, contact property maintenance.
Homeowners should check their warranty, local weather, and roofer’s recommended inspection interval.
An annual professional check may be a useful starting plan; storms can mean an earlier check.
There is no universal annual repair requirement.
Before moving to the next step
Check this specific result: I know who arranges inspection.
If that result is not true yet, leave the box unchecked. Write what is missing in your notes; use the official instructions below when the equipment or situation differs.
STEP 1 OF 4
Find out who is responsible
Start here: Confirm who arranges roof care.
Example: Confirm who arranges roof care. Follow the written step.
For an apartment, contact property maintenance.
Homeowners should check their warranty, local weather, and roofer’s recommended inspection interval.
An annual professional check may be a useful starting plan; storms can mean an earlier check.
There is no universal annual repair requirement.
Before moving to the next step
Check this specific result: I know who arranges inspection.
If that result is not true yet, leave the box unchecked. Write what is missing in your notes; use the official instructions below when the equipment or situation differs.
STEP 2 OF 4
Look from a safe place
Start here: Inspect from a safe place.
Example: Inspect from a safe place. Follow the written step.
From the ground, look for missing shingles, sagging areas, debris, and gutters that overflow when it rains.
Indoors look for new ceiling stains or damp areas.
Photograph the location and date.
Do not enter an unsafe attic to investigate.
Before moving to the next step
Check this specific result: I recorded anything unusual.
If that result is not true yet, leave the box unchecked. Write what is missing in your notes; use the official instructions below when the equipment or situation differs.
STEP 3 OF 4
Request an inspection, not a blank repair order
Start here: Request an inspection first.
Example: Request an inspection first. Follow the written step.
Ask an insured roofer: “What is damaged?
Can you show me photos?
Is repair needed now?
What will it cost, and what does the warranty cover?” Get written estimates for planned work and verify licensing where required.
Before moving to the next step
Check this specific result: I have evidence and a written scope before agreeing to work.
If that result is not true yet, leave the box unchecked. Write what is missing in your notes; use the official instructions below when the equipment or situation differs.
STEP 4 OF 4
Follow up after rain or a storm
Start here: Check again after bad weather.
Example: Check again after bad weather. Follow the written step.
Check the same indoor and outdoor places again.
A spreading stain or active leak needs prompt help.
Keep inspection notes and receipts in your home maintenance log.
Before moving to the next step
Check this specific result: I saved the findings and next inspection date.
If that result is not true yet, leave the box unchecked. Write what is missing in your notes; use the official instructions below when the equipment or situation differs.
Pictures for this guide
Picture 1 of 4 · Find out who is responsible
Find out who is responsible: Tenant: ask the landlord. Owner: check your responsibility.
For: Find out who is responsible
Illustrations show examples of the actions above. Follow your equipment’s instructions.
Notes about these pictures
For an apartment, contact property maintenance. Homeowners should check their warranty, local weather, and roofer’s recommended inspection interval. An annual professional check may be a useful starting plan; storms can mean an earlier check. There is no universal annual repair requirement.
Stay on the ground. Leave roof walking, ladder work, loose shingles, and gutters out of reach to an insured professional. Renters report damage rather than order roof work.
Was this step clear?
Flag “Find out who is responsible” for review. We save the guide and step identifiers with your account to limit duplicates, not your private notes.
What to look for: This explains what an inspector looks for. Stay at ground level as the written guide directs; roof or ladder access shown is for qualified professionals.
Link details checked 2026-10-03. Video availability and equipment menus can change.
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How to use the video with this guide
Read “Before you begin” first. Watch the relevant part, pause, then return to the written step and its completion check. Use captions and playback speed if they help. A demonstration may cover only part of the task or show different equipment.
Your model’s instructions and current official guidance take priority. For urgent problems, follow the stop instructions without waiting to watch a video.
For this guide, the final result is: I saved the findings and next inspection date.
A concrete way to approach this task
Make an observation record from the safe viewing position described in the guide: date, visible issue, and where on the roof it appears.
What if I cannot complete a step?
If you cannot see enough from a safe position, arrange qualified inspection. Limited visibility is a reason to ask for help, not to climb.
Identify the exact step: “Find out who is responsible.” Record what you tried, what happened, and which item or model you used. Ask for help with that specific problem rather than repeating an unsafe or unsuccessful action.
Stay on the ground. Leave roof walking, ladder work, loose shingles, and gutters out of reach to an insured professional. Renters report damage rather than order roof work.
Connect this skill to everyday life
Write down the total move-in cash and monthly costs before applying. Ask which charges are required and which are optional.
Advertised rent is not necessarily the whole monthly cost. A refundable deposit still needs cash now. An application does not mean you have a signed lease.
