Maintaining your rental home might seem minor, but regular upkeep can save you from costly repairs and foster a positive relationship with your landlord. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten essential small maintenance tasks every renter should tackle to keep their home in shape. 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. To get the most out of your ceiling fan, switch its direction twice a year. In the summer, turn it counterclockwise to cool the room, and in the winter, turn it clockwise to spread warm air. Keep your utility bills under control by doing this.
- 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 free of debris to work properly. Clear it monthly by removing leaves, dirt, and other blockages.
- Change HVAC Filters. Replace HVAC filters every three months to keep your air clean and your system running efficiently. This will also help extend the life of your HVAC system.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt can accumulate on blinds and windows. Keep them clean by dusting with a microfiber cloth or using a vacuum to remove dirt every month.
- Check for Pests. Inspect your rental for signs of pests each month. If you see any signs of infestation, such as droppings or nests, notify your property manager to 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
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 Sailfish Coast could have what you’re looking for in Hobe Sound and nearby! Feel free to browse our listings and reach out with any questions.
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