Maintaining your rental home through regular upkeep helps avoid costly repairs and fosters a positive relationship with your landlord. Here are ten simple but crucial tasks renters should perform to keep things running smoothly.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. Change your ceiling fan direction twice a year to maximize efficiency. In summer, it should rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze, while in winter, it should spin clockwise to distribute warm air from the ceiling.
- 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 for signs of cracking or peeling. Replacing damaged caulk prevents mold and water damage. 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, so it’s important to clear them regularly. Every month, remove hair clogs and flush the drains with baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water, to keep them clear.
- 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. Outdoor air conditioning units can accumulate dirt and debris, reducing their efficiency. Clean it monthly by clearing away leaves and dust, ensuring that the unit works optimally during hot weather.
- Change HVAC Filters. Change your HVAC system filters every three months to improve air quality and maintain system efficiency. Keeping filters clean reduces wear and tear on the system and helps lower energy costs.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. To keep your blinds and windows looking fresh, dust and clean them every month. Use a microfiber cloth or vacuum to remove dust buildup, which also improves their functionality.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause significant damage to a rental home. Check for pests monthly by inspecting your living spaces for signs of droppings or nests. Notify your property manager if professional pest control is 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
Some maintenance issues require a professional. For electrical problems or significant water leaks, contact your landlord so they can arrange for a licensed technician to fix the problem.
By staying on top of these small maintenance tasks, you can keep your rental in great shape and avoid unexpected expenses. Plus, your landlord will appreciate your proactive approach.
Interested in finding a new rental home? Real Property Management Trustworthy has available properties in Roxboro. Browse our listings or contact us for more information!
Originally Published on Sep 16, 2022
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