Maintaining your rental home through regular upkeep is essential for avoiding costly repairs and maintaining a positive relationship with your landlord. Here are ten maintenance tasks that every renter should add to their monthly checklist to keep things running smoothly.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. To help manage temperature, your ceiling fan should spin counterclockwise in summer and clockwise in winter. By changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year, you can make your HVAC system more efficient 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 can lead to costly repairs and damage. Keep them clear by removing hair clogs and flushing them with baking soda and vinegar each month. After letting the solution sit, flush with hot water to ensure smooth drainage.
- 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 needs to stay clear of debris to function properly. Clean it every month by removing leaves, dirt, or anything else that might block airflow and reduce its efficiency.
- Change HVAC Filters. To keep your home comfortable and your HVAC system running well, change your HVAC filters every three months. This small task helps maintain air quality and ensures your system works efficiently.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt can accumulate on blinds and windows, dulling their appearance and affecting their performance. Clean them each month using a microfiber cloth or vacuum attachment to keep them looking fresh and functioning properly.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause damage if they aren’t caught early. Inspect your home monthly for signs of pests, such as droppings or nests. If you spot any issues, contact your property manager so they can arrange for 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
Basic maintenance can prevent many issues, but some problems require professional help. If you encounter serious concerns, like water leaks or electrical issues, notify your landlord so they can send a technician to fix the issue.
By keeping up with these maintenance tasks, you’ll protect your rental home and avoid costly repairs. Make sure to add them to your checklist and tick them off as you go!
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Originally Published on Sep 16, 2022
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