It may seem insignificant, 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. Change the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year to boost efficiency. In summer, set it to counterclockwise to create a breeze, 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. 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. Your outdoor air conditioning unit must be clear of debris to work properly. Be sure to clean it every month, removing any leaves, dirt, or other accumulated debris.
- Change HVAC Filters. Your HVAC system’s filters are important in keeping your air clean and your home comfortable. To keep them working properly, change them every three months. You can easily purchase replacement filters at your local hardware store.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt can build up on your blinds and windows, making them look dirty and affecting their ability to function properly. To keep blinds and windows looking their best, clean them every month. You can do this by dusting with a microfiber cloth or using a vacuum attachment to remove accumulated dirt or debris.
- Check for Pests. Not only are they a nuisance, but pests can cause damage to your home. To prevent this from happening, check for pests every month and take action if you see any. You can do this by visually inspecting your home and looking for any signs of pests, such as droppings or nests. If you notice any, contact your property manager. They can then coordinate with professional pest control if necessary.
- 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 issues beyond basic maintenance, such as electrical or plumbing problems, contact your landlord. They’ll send a professional technician to resolve the issue.
By staying on top of these maintenance tasks, you can keep your rental home in great condition and avoid unnecessary repairs.
Looking for a new rental home? Real Property Management Capital City offers listings in Taylor. Browse our listings and contact us for more information.
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