Maintaining your rental home is key to avoiding costly repairs and building a positive relationship with your landlord. In this post, we’ll cover ten essential home maintenance tasks every renter should stay on top of. By handling these minor tasks, you can keep your home in great shape and show your commitment as a responsible tenant.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. In the summer, your ceiling fan should spin counterclockwise to create a cool 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 should be clear of debris to ensure optimal airflow. Clean it every month by removing leaves, dirt, and other obstructions that could block airflow and affect its performance.
- Change HVAC Filters. Your HVAC system’s filters need to be replaced every three months to keep the air in your home clean and the system running efficiently. Changing the filters is an easy and inexpensive way to maintain comfort in your home.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Blinds and windows tend to gather dust and dirt over time. To keep them looking fresh, clean them monthly using a microfiber cloth or a vacuum attachment. This small task helps maintain both appearance and functionality.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause major damage if left unchecked. Inspect your home for signs of pests every month. Look for droppings, nests, or other indications, and contact your property manager if you spot any issues. Professional pest control may be 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
Basic maintenance can prevent many issues, but some problems require professional attention. If you encounter water leaks, electrical problems, or other serious issues, notify your landlord immediately so they can arrange for a technician to address the problem.
Regular maintenance helps prevent costly repairs and keeps your home in great condition. Add these tasks to your monthly checklist and check them off as you complete each one!
In the market for a new rental home? Real Property Management Last Frontier has excellent options in Homer. Be sure to browse our listings and contact us with any questions.
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