Taking care of your rental home through small, regular upkeep tasks can prevent big problems down the line. Here are ten maintenance tips to help you stay ahead of repairs and maintain a good relationship with your landlord.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. By changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year, you can help control your utility bills. In the summer, set it to counterclockwise for cooling, and in winter, switch it to clockwise to push warm air down.
- 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. Clear your drains every month to prevent clogs and water damage. Remove hair clogs, use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, then flush with hot water to keep your drains clear.
- 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. Ensure your outdoor air conditioning unit is clear of debris. Clean it monthly to remove leaves, dirt, and other obstructions that may reduce its efficiency.
- Change HVAC Filters. Change your HVAC filters every three months to maintain clean air and ensure your system runs smoothly. This simple task can also improve the lifespan of your HVAC system.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt can accumulate on blinds and windows. Clean them monthly with a microfiber cloth or vacuum to keep them looking good and functioning well.
- Check for Pests. Check for pests regularly. Inspect your home for any signs of pests, such as droppings or nests, and notify your property manager if professional pest control is needed.
- 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
If you notice any major issues like leaks or electrical problems, contact your landlord. They’ll send a professional technician to handle the repairs.
By keeping up with these simple maintenance tasks, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your rental home in good condition.
Looking for a rental home? Real Property Management Enterprises offers listings in Moore— browse our listings and contact us for more information.
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