While it may seem unimportant, regular upkeep can prevent costly repairs and help you build a positive relationship with your landlord. This blog post will talk about ten important small maintenance jobs that every renter should do to keep their home in good shape. These are easy things you can do to keep your living place safe and show that you are a responsible tenant.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. To make a cool breeze in the summer, your ceiling fan should spin backward. To move warm air down from the roof in the winter, it should turn counterclockwise. You can make your HVAC system work more effectively and keep your utility bills under control by changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year.
- 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 free of debris. Clean it every month to remove leaves, dirt, and other obstructions that could hinder performance.
- Change HVAC Filters. Replace HVAC filters every three months to keep your air clean and your system running efficiently. This simple task also helps prevent unnecessary wear on your HVAC system.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Keep blinds and windows free of dust and dirt. Clean them every month using a microfiber cloth or vacuum to ensure they remain in good working order.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause damage if left unchecked. Inspect your rental for pests every month 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
When larger issues arise, such as plumbing leaks or electrical problems, contact your landlord. They’ll arrange for a professional to handle the repairs.
Adding these tasks to your routine will help keep your rental home in great condition and prevent costly repairs.
Looking for a new rental home? Real Property Management Ambassadors has homes available in Dilworth. Browse our listings or get in touch for more details.
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