Maintaining your rental home through regular upkeep prevents costly repairs and pleases your landlord. Every renter must execute these ten duties on a regular basis. In this blog post, we’ll look at ten vital small maintenance activities that every renter should complete to keep their home in good shape. By keeping up with these easy duties, you will protect your living space and display your duty as a tenant.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. In the summer, your ceiling fan should spin counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. In the winter, it should turn clockwise to push warm air down from the ceiling. By changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year, you can help your HVAC system work more efficiently 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. 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. Keep your outdoor air conditioning unit free of debris. Clean it monthly by removing any leaves, dirt, or obstructions to ensure it runs efficiently.
- Change HVAC Filters. Changing your HVAC filters every three months ensures clean air and optimal performance. This simple task helps maintain a comfortable home environment and prevents unnecessary wear on your HVAC system.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt can accumulate quickly on blinds and windows. Clean them monthly with a microfiber cloth or vacuum to keep them in good shape and ensure proper functionality.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause significant damage if not addressed. Check for signs of pests every month, and contact your property manager for professional pest control if 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
When larger problems like electrical issues or leaks arise, contact your landlord. They’ll arrange for a professional technician to fix the problem.
By keeping up with these simple tasks, you can prevent costly repairs and ensure your rental home stays in top condition.
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