Maintaining your rental home may appear to be a trivial task, but regular upkeep can prevent costly repairs and establish a positive relationship with your landlord. In this blog post, we’ll look at ten vital small maintenance activities that every renter should complete to keep their home in good shape. By keeping up with these easy duties, you will protect your living space and display your duty as a tenant.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. In the summer, rotate your ceiling fan counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. In the winter, turn it clockwise to push warm air downward from the ceiling. By changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year, you can improve the efficiency of 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 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 needs to be free of debris to work efficiently. Clean it monthly by clearing leaves, dirt, and other debris that may have accumulated.
- Change HVAC Filters. Changing your HVAC filters every three months keeps your air clean and your system running efficiently. Regularly changing filters also helps reduce energy costs and keeps the air quality in your home high.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt can easily build up on blinds and windows. Clean them every month by wiping them with a microfiber cloth or vacuuming to keep them clean and functional.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause major damage if left unchecked. Inspect your home every month for signs of pests such as droppings or nests. If you find any, contact your property manager 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
Electrical troubles and water leaks are two examples of concerns that may necessitate professional assistance. Always tell your landlord if something need attention so that a certified service specialist can resolve the issue.
Keeping up with these duties will help you avoid costly repairs, maintain your rental house in good condition, and show your landlord that you care. Add these tasks to your checklist and enjoy stress-free living!
Looking for a new rental home? Look through Real Property Management Complete‘s properties in Norfolk or browse our listings to locate your next home.
Originally Published on Sep 16, 2022
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