Keeping up with regular maintenance in your rental home can prevent costly repairs and build a positive relationship with your landlord. Here are ten essential tasks that renters should handle regularly to keep their space in good shape.
- 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 clear of debris by cleaning it monthly. Remove leaves, dirt, and other obstructions to maintain its efficiency.
- Change HVAC Filters. Your HVAC filters need to be changed every three months to maintain clean air and optimal system performance. Purchase new filters from a local store and replace them yourself.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt can accumulate on your blinds and windows, so clean them monthly. Use a microfiber cloth or vacuum to keep them looking good and working properly.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause damage to your rental home. Inspect for signs of pests every month, such as droppings or nests. Contact your property manager if you need 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
For more significant issues, like electrical or plumbing problems, contact your landlord. They’ll send a professional technician to resolve the problem quickly and safely.
Regular maintenance tasks like these will help you avoid costly repairs and ensure your rental home remains in top shape. Add these tasks to your to-do list!
If you’re searching for a new rental, Real Property Management Trusted Hands has listings in Kissimmee. Browse our listings and contact us for more information!
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