Maintaining your rental home through regular upkeep is essential for preventing costly repairs and fostering a positive relationship with your landlord. In this guide, we’ll discuss ten small maintenance tasks that every renter should regularly complete. By handling these simple tasks, you can help maintain your home’s condition and showcase your responsibility as a tenant.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. To help manage the temperature in your home, change the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year. In summer, it should spin counterclockwise for cooling airflow, while in winter, it should rotate clockwise to circulate warm air. This simple adjustment can help 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. Inspect the caulking around your bathroom fixtures. If it’s cracked, peeling, or missing in spots, you should replace it to prevent mold growth. 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 can lead to water damage if ignored. Prevent this by clearing your drains every month. Remove hair clogs, pour a cup of baking soda followed by vinegar down the drain, let it sit, then flush with hot water. This will help keep your pipes 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. Your outdoor air conditioning unit works best when it’s free of debris. Be sure to clear away leaves, dirt, and other debris every month to help the unit run efficiently.
- Change HVAC Filters. Changing your HVAC filters every three months is crucial for maintaining clean air and keeping your home comfortable. You can find replacement filters at any hardware store. Staying on top of this task ensures the HVAC system works at its best.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt can accumulate on blinds and windows, reducing their appearance and function. Clean them every month by dusting with a microfiber cloth or using a vacuum attachment to remove dirt or debris. This will keep your blinds and windows looking their best.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause significant damage if left unchecked. Visually inspect your home every month for signs of pests, such as droppings or nests. If you detect any issues, notify your property manager so they can arrange professional pest control if needed.
- Basic Appliance Maintenance. Basic appliance maintenance is essential to keep your appliances working properly. Clean them every month, vacuum the refrigerator coils, and dust the inside of the oven. Also, run a self-cleaning cycle on your oven every three months to keep it in top condition.
Knowing When to Call a Professional
While basic maintenance is important, some problems require professional attention. If you encounter electrical issues, leaks, or other concerns, report them to your landlord right away so they can send a technician to fix them. Regular maintenance helps prevent costly repairs and keeps both you and your landlord happy.
For a smooth renting experience, add these tasks to your checklist and complete them every month!
Looking for a new rental home? Real Property Management Keystone offers quality properties in Upper St Clair and surrounding areas. Browse our listings today or reach out with any inquiries!
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