Maintaining your rental home isn’t just about preventing costly repairs; it also helps build a positive relationship with your landlord. Here, we’ll explore ten essential maintenance tasks every renter should complete regularly. By staying on top of these tasks, you’ll keep your home in good condition and show your landlord you care about the property.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. Ceiling fans help regulate temperature, but only when they’re spinning in the right direction. In the summer, set your fan to spin counterclockwise to cool your space, and in winter, switch it to clockwise to circulate warm air. Changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year helps you maintain a comfortable home 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 functioning properly, clean them every month. Simply remove the cover and vacuum out dust or debris that may have built up over time.
- 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 a hassle, and they can cause damage if left unchecked. To prevent clogs, clear your drains monthly by removing hair and using a mix of baking soda and vinegar. Let the solution sit, then flush with hot water for free-flowing drains.
- 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. Debris like leaves and dirt can collect around your outdoor air conditioning unit, reducing its effectiveness. Clean the unit monthly by clearing away any debris to ensure it runs efficiently, especially during the summer months.
- Change HVAC Filters. HVAC filters help keep your air clean and your home comfortable. Change them every three months to maintain optimal air quality and ensure your HVAC system is functioning properly. Replacement filters are easy to find and inexpensive.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Blinds and windows can accumulate dust and grime over time. Keep them looking fresh by cleaning them monthly with a microfiber cloth or vacuum attachment. This simple task improves your home’s appearance and keeps your windows functioning properly.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause significant damage if not caught early. Inspect your home for signs of pests every month, such as droppings or nests. If you notice any, report the issue to your property manager so they can arrange for professional pest control services.
- 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
Some maintenance tasks require professional help. If you encounter electrical issues, water leaks, or other major concerns, notify your landlord right away. They can arrange for a technician to resolve the issue.
These regular maintenance tasks will help keep your home in top shape and avoid costly repairs. Add them to your monthly checklist and mark them off as you complete each one!
Looking for a new rental home? Real Property Management Main has a variety of options in Livonia. Browse our listings and reach out with any questions.
Originally Published on Sep 16, 2022
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