Maintaining your rental home with regular upkeep is key to avoiding expensive repairs and fostering a positive relationship with your landlord. These ten essential maintenance tasks will help keep your home in excellent condition.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. Ceiling fans can help reduce energy costs if they’re spinning in the right direction. Switch your fan to spin counterclockwise in the summer and clockwise in the winter to circulate air effectively. This simple change twice a year will help keep your home comfortable and 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. Clean the fans every month by removing the cover and vacuuming any built-up dust or debris to keep them working properly.
- 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 cause water damage and other issues. Keep your drains clear by removing any clogs and using a baking soda and vinegar mixture once a month to flush them out. This will help prevent blockages and keep your plumbing in good shape.
- 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 needs to be free of debris to work efficiently. Clear off leaves, dirt, and other debris every month to improve airflow and avoid system malfunctions.
- Change HVAC Filters. Your HVAC filters play a crucial role in keeping your air clean and your system running efficiently. Change the filters every three months to reduce dust buildup and maintain good indoor air quality.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dirty blinds and windows can impact the appearance and function of your home. Clean them every month by dusting with a microfiber cloth or vacuuming away dirt. This simple step helps keep your home looking bright and clean.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause serious damage to your rental home if left untreated. Inspect your home each month for signs of pests, such as droppings or nests. If you spot any, notify your property manager to arrange for 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
Sometimes, professional help is necessary. If you experience electrical problems, water leaks, or other serious issues, contact your landlord immediately to arrange for repairs.
Staying on top of these tasks will help you maintain your rental home and avoid costly repairs. Add them to your checklist and keep your home in tip-top shape.
If you’re looking for a new rental home, Real Property Management Performance has a variety of options in Red Bank. Browse our listings and reach out with any questions!
Originally Published on Sep 16, 2022
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