Regular upkeep is vital when it comes to maintaining your rental home. By tackling these essential small tasks, you can prevent costly repairs and keep your home in top condition while building a positive relationship with your landlord.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. Twice a year, change your ceiling fan’s direction to optimize airflow. Use counterclockwise rotation in the summer to cool and clockwise in the winter to distribute warm air, which can help keep your utility bills lower.
- 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 major problems like water damage. Make it a habit to clear your drains monthly by using baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to flush out hair and debris.
- 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 AC units can accumulate debris like leaves and dirt, which reduces their efficiency. Cleaning them monthly will help keep your system running smoothly and effectively during the summer.
- Change HVAC Filters. Changing your HVAC filters every three months ensures cleaner air and a more efficient HVAC system. It’s a quick and simple task that also helps reduce your energy costs.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Keep your blinds and windows looking fresh by dusting or vacuuming them monthly. Removing built-up dirt will not only improve appearance but also prevent the buildup of allergens.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause significant damage to your rental home. Conduct a monthly inspection to look for any signs of pests, and notify your property manager if you see any issues that require 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
Not all repairs can be handled by renters. For bigger problems like electrical faults or water leaks, report the issue to your landlord, who can arrange for a professional technician to handle it.
By taking care of these small maintenance tasks, you can prevent major issues and keep your landlord happy. Add these tasks to your monthly checklist and take care of your rental home.
Are you in the market for a new rental home? Real Property Management Peace has available listings in Summerlin. Browse our listings and contact us with any questions.
Originally Published on Sep 16, 2022
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