Maintaining your rental home through regular upkeep helps avoid costly repairs and builds a positive relationship with your landlord. Here are ten maintenance tasks renters should handle to ensure their home stays in great condition.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. Your ceiling fan should spin counterclockwise in the summer to cool the room and clockwise in the winter to circulate warm air. By changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year, you can increase your HVAC system’s efficiency 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 water damage and costly repairs. Keep your drains clear by removing hair clogs and using a baking soda and vinegar solution. Let it sit for a while, then flush it with hot water to ensure your drains remain functional..
- 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 keep your air conditioning unit working effectively, make sure it’s free of debris like leaves or dirt. Clean it every month to ensure proper airflow and avoid any performance issues during hot weather.
- Change HVAC Filters. Changing your HVAC filters every three months keeps your air clean and your system working efficiently. Fresh filters improve air quality and help the HVAC system last longer.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust can build up on blinds and windows, affecting both their appearance and function. To keep them clean, dust your blinds and windows every month with a microfiber cloth or vacuum attachment.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause extensive damage if left untreated. Every month, check your home for signs of pests, such as droppings or nests. If you see anything concerning, notify your property manager so they can address the issue.
- 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 tasks, like electrical or plumbing repairs, require a professional. If you notice major problems, contact your landlord so they can arrange for proper repairs.
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your rental home in good shape and avoiding expensive repairs. Add these tasks to your checklist to stay on top of things.
Looking for a new rental home? Real Property Management Excelled offers a variety of options in Federal Way. Browse our listings and let us know if you have any questions.
Originally Published on Sep 16, 2022
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