Maintaining your rental home is crucial to prevent costly repairs and build a positive relationship with your landlord. In this post, we’ll explore ten essential small maintenance tasks every renter should stay on top of. Keeping up with these simple tasks will protect your home and show your responsibility as a tenant.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. Your ceiling fan should spin counterclockwise during summer to create a cool breeze and clockwise in winter to circulate warm air. By changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year, you can help reduce strain on your HVAC system 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 inconvenient but can lead to water damage if left untreated. Clear your drains every month by removing hair clogs and pouring a cup of baking soda followed by vinegar down the drain. Let it sit, then flush with hot water to keep the pipes clear.
- 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 kept free of debris to function efficiently. Clear any leaves, dirt, or other debris from around the unit every month to maintain proper airflow.
- Change HVAC Filters. The filters in your HVAC system play a key role in keeping your air clean and your home comfortable. Replace the filters every three months to ensure the system works efficiently. Filters are available at any hardware store and are easy to change yourself.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt can collect on blinds and windows, affecting their appearance and function. Clean them every month using a microfiber cloth or vacuum attachment to remove accumulated dust or dirt, keeping them looking sharp.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause significant damage if left unchecked. Make it a point to inspect your home for signs of pests, such as droppings, nests, or gnaw marks, every month. If you notice any issues, notify your property manager to arrange for 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
While routine maintenance can help prevent larger issues, there are some tasks that require professional help. If you experience electrical problems, plumbing leaks, or other serious issues, be sure to report them to your landlord. They can arrange for a service technician to address the problem.
Preventing costly repairs and maintaining a good relationship with your landlord is easier when you stay on top of these tasks. Add them to your monthly checklist and cross them off as you go!
Are you searching for a new rental home? Real Property Management Coral has great options in Hollywood. Browse our listings today and feel free to contact us with any questions.
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