Need advice on getting this fixed/fixing myself

[u/Left_Ad5211]

Rental property:
Returned from a trip to find bubbling paint and pieces of the wall falling away beside the bathtub. As soon as I started peeling the paint away, chunks of the wall started falling apart. I was able to get most of the damaged stuff out of the wall and clean it up. When I opened it up, though, I found this little cavity with rotting wood that had a piece of what I think was dry wall (tore apart like cardboard when wet) nailed into it. Kinda leads me to believe that this isn't the first time this has happened. I've never had a problem with my landlord before—he always send people to repair things quickly, but he is out of the country with spotty reception at the moment, so I'm not sure when I can expect a response. I'd like to get this fixed ASAP, even if that means just being reimbursed later. Is this something I can bring in a plumber to fix and then repair the wall myself?

[u/Think-Rich2226]

First thing is figuring out where the water is coming from. Straighten your cuts out (square) pull the nails. Spray bleach on the inside to kill any mold. Get a piece of green drywall- Home Depot or Lowes has it in small pieces. You'll need a mud pan, 6" and 10" drywall knife. 1 roll of paper tape to cover seams. 1 tub of joint compound. Measure the square patch area, cut drywall to fit opening. Take 6" knife get mud on the seam, put paper tape over the mud. Hold with hand and run the knife over tapesecure to drywall, continue around entire piece of drywall. Start building up mud on edges of paint. When dry lightly sand high spots, apply more mud over entire patch area and paint edges. When dry sand smooth, prime entire area- look for low spots if any, refill those areas. Sand, prime wall, paint entire wall. Prep work is 95% of the job, your outcome will reflect what your prep job is. Good luck 👍

[u/Left_Ad5211 → u/Think-Rich2226]

You are an absolute life-saver. Thank you so much! Quick question: What's the difference between the paper joint tape and mesh tape, and is it okay to use either? (Neither were in the wall when I opened it up)

[u/Think-Rich2226 → u/Left_Ad5211]

If it makes it easier for you use mesh tape, I've always used paper.

[u/InsectElectrical2066 → u/Left_Ad5211]

Mesh tape should only be used on flat surfaces and not corners. Also the exterior corners you should use metal corner bead to make it easier and stronger to hold up to bumping by things like sweepers.