Maintaining your rental residence may seem minor, but regular maintenance can save you from costly repairs and foster a positive relationship with your landlord. In this blog post, we will explore ten essential small maintenance tasks every renter should tackle to keep their home in good condition. By staying on top of these simple tasks, you’ll protect your living space and demonstrate your responsibility as a tenant.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. In the summer, your ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise to create a pleasant breeze. In the winter, it should turn clockwise to push warm air down from the ceiling. By changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year, you can help your HVAC system work more efficiently and keep your utility bills under control.
- Clean Exhaust Fans. Your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are important in venting moisture and odors out of your home. To keep them working properly, be sure to clean them every month. You can easily do this by removing the cover and using a vacuum attachment to remove any accumulated dust or debris.
- Caulk Around Bathroom Fixtures. Look at the caulking around your bathroom fixtures. It must be replaced if it is cracked, peeling, or missing in spots. Cracked or missing caulk can cause mold to grow. But prevention is a quick and easy task that you can do yourself. Simply add new caulk around the base of each fixture with some caulk and a putty knife.
- Clear Drains. Clogged drains are not only a nuisance but can also lead to water damage. To prevent this from happening, be sure to clear your drains every month. You can do this by removing hair clogs, pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, and then a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for an hour, then flush it with hot water.
- Drain Water Heater. As water heats up, it expands and can cause sediment to build up in your water heater. This can lead to corrosion and decreased efficiency. To prevent this from happening, be sure to drain your water heater every year. You can do this by attaching a garden hose to the drainage valve and emptying it into a bucket or floor drain. Regular water heater maintenance can help ensure you have plenty of hot water all year round.
- Clean Off Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit. Your outdoor air conditioning unit must be clear of debris to work properly. Be sure to clean it every month, removing any leaves, dirt, or other accumulated debris.
- Change HVAC Filters. Your HVAC system’s filters are important in keeping your air clean and your home comfortable. To keep them working properly, change them every three months. You can easily purchase replacement filters at your local hardware store.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt can build up on your blinds and windows, making them look dirty and affecting their ability to function properly. To keep blinds and windows looking their best, clean them every month. You can do this by dusting with a microfiber cloth or using a vacuum attachment to remove accumulated dirt or debris.
- Check for Pests. Not only are they a nuisance, but pests can cause damage to your home. To prevent this from happening, check for pests every month and act if you see any. You can do this by visually inspecting your home and looking for any signs of pests, such as droppings or nests. If you notice any, contact your property manager. They can then coordinate with professional pest control if necessary.
- Basic Appliance Maintenance. Basic appliance maintenance is essential to keep your appliances working properly. To do this, clean your oven and refrigerator every month. You can also vacuum the coils on your fridge and dust the interior of your oven to prevent build-up. Additionally, be sure to run a self-cleaning cycle on your oven once every three months.
Knowing When to Call a Professional
Beyond basic maintenance, other items in your rental home may require professional assistance. For example, if you encounter electrical issues, water leaks, or other concerns, report them to your landlord so that they can send an experienced service tech to fix them.
Regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and keep your landlord happy. For all these reasons, add these tasks to your monthly checklist and cross them off as you go!
Are you looking for a new rental home? Real Property Management Evertrust could have what you’re looking for in Auburn and nearby! Feel free to browse our listings and reach out with any questions.
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