Not every exterior trip hazard requires the same response. Loose gravel, leaves, a stick, or a curled portable mat may be easy to correct. Raised concrete, broken pavement, displaced pavers, erosion, or a damaged retaining wall should not be repaired by the resident.
Remove Simple, Movable Hazards
If the walking surface itself appears sound, reasonable first steps may include:
- sweeping loose gravel from a normal walking path;
- removing sticks, leaves, or ordinary lightweight debris;
- moving or flattening a portable mat that has curled or shifted;
- moving another lightweight portable object that is creating the obstruction; or
- using an alternate safe route until a fixed defect can be addressed.
If you already have a visible cone or other simple portable marker, it may be placed near a fixed hazard when doing so does not create another obstruction or block an exit.
Fixed Surface Damage Needs Service
Do not try to patch, grind, pry up, lift, fill, excavate around, or otherwise alter:
- raised or sunken concrete;
- broken or displaced pavement;
- a pothole;
- loose or displaced pavers;
- a damaged patio surface;
- a hole, washout, or eroded edge; or
- a drainage condition that has undermined a walking or driving surface.
Photograph the condition from a normal standing position when safe.
Retaining Walls
If a retaining wall is leaning, bulging, cracking, separating, or has displaced material, do not push on it, test it, dig around it, remove material, climb on it, or stand below a section that appears unstable.
If Water Is Causing the Problem
If standing water, runoff, or erosion is affecting the surface, use the Yard Drainage, Erosion & Standing Water guide.
Do not enter floodwater to inspect pavement or determine how deep a washout may be.
If Steps, Porches or Railings Are Involved
If the hazard involves an exterior stair, porch, deck, railing, fence, or gate rather than the driveway or walkway itself, see Deck, Porch, Fence, Gate & Exterior Structure Problems.
Report a Fixed Exterior Hazard
If the problem cannot be resolved by removing a simple movable obstruction, the surface itself is damaged or displaced, the condition returns, or you cannot proceed safely, submit a maintenance request through the Rentvine resident portal.
Include the exact location, the type of surface or structure, what appears raised, broken, loose, washed out, or unstable, whether water is contributing to the problem, and photos from a safe location.
For other household problems, use the Resident Troubleshooting Library.
Published: September 2, 2026
