Maintaining your rental home might not seem like a big deal, but regular upkeep can save you from costly repairs and help you build a positive relationship with your landlord. Here, we’ll explore ten simple yet important maintenance tasks that every renter should perform. Keeping up with these tasks will protect your living space and show that you’re a responsible tenant.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. Ceiling fans are a great way to keep your home comfortable, but they need to be adjusted seasonally. In the summer, your fan should spin counterclockwise to create a breeze, while in winter, it should spin clockwise to push warm air down. By changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year, you can help 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 annoying but can also cause water damage if ignored. Clear your drains every month by removing any hair clogs and pouring a cup of baking soda followed by vinegar. After it sits, flush it with hot water to keep your drains clear and functional.
- 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. To keep your outdoor air conditioning unit running smoothly, clear it of debris every month. Remove any dirt, leaves, or other buildup that could block airflow and reduce its efficiency.
- Change HVAC Filters. Changing your HVAC system’s filters every three months is important for keeping your air clean and your home comfortable. You can find replacement filters at most hardware stores and swapping them out is a quick and easy task.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Blinds and windows can gather dust and dirt over time, affecting both their appearance and functionality. To keep them in good shape, clean them every month with a microfiber cloth or vacuum attachment to remove any dirt or debris.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause a lot of damage if not addressed. Make it a habit to check for pests every month by visually inspecting your home for signs like droppings, nests, or damage. If you find anything, let your property manager know so they can arrange for professional pest control.
- 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 these maintenance tasks can be done on your own, some issues will require professional help. If you encounter electrical problems, leaks, or other serious concerns, report them to your landlord so they can arrange for a service technician to fix the problem. Regular maintenance will help prevent costly repairs and ensure a good relationship with your landlord.
Make sure to add these tasks to your monthly checklist and complete them on a regular basis to keep your rental home in top shape!
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