Maintaining your rental home might seem minor, but regular upkeep can save you from expensive repairs and help you foster a positive relationship with your landlord. In this article, we’ll cover ten essential maintenance tasks every renter should do. Staying on top of these simple chores will protect your home and show your responsibility as a tenant.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. During the summer, set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise to cool the room, and in winter, reverse it to clockwise to push warm air down. Switching the direction twice a year can help your HVAC system work more efficiently and reduce energy bills.
- 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 can lead to water damage and are often avoidable. Clear your drains monthly by removing hair clogs and pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. Let it sit for an hour and then flush with hot water to keep your drains flowing smoothly.
- 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. To maintain proper airflow, make sure your outdoor air conditioning unit is clear of debris. Check it every month and remove leaves, dirt, or other buildup that may obstruct it.
- Change HVAC Filters. Your HVAC filters are essential for keeping the air in your home clean and the system working efficiently. Change the filters every three months to ensure your HVAC system performs well. New filters are affordable and available at most hardware stores.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Blinds and windows accumulate dust and dirt over time. Cleaning them every month helps maintain their appearance and functionality. Dust blinds with a microfiber cloth or use a vacuum attachment to remove dirt from windows and blinds.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause major damage if they go unnoticed. Inspect your home for signs of pests every month, like droppings or nests. If you find any, notify your property manager, who can 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
While basic maintenance can prevent many issues, some problems require professional intervention. For electrical issues, water leaks, or other significant concerns, notify your landlord so they can arrange for a service technician to address them.
Routine maintenance tasks help prevent costly repairs and ensure a positive relationship with your landlord. Add these tasks to your monthly checklist and tick them off as you go!
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