Maintaining your rental home with regular upkeep is essential for avoiding costly repairs and ensuring a positive relationship with your landlord. Below are ten important maintenance tasks renters should routinely perform.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. By changing your ceiling fan’s direction twice a year, you can improve air circulation in both hot and cold months. Use counterclockwise rotation during summer and clockwise in winter to keep your utility bills manageable.
- Clean Exhaust Fans. Your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are important in venting moisture and odors out of your home. Keep them functioning well by cleaning them every month. A quick vacuum of the fan covers removes 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. Drains can get clogged over time, which may lead to serious issues like water damage. Clearing them every month with baking soda, vinegar, and hot water can help prevent blockages and keep water flowing smoothly.
- 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. To maintain your water heater’s efficiency, drain it once a year. Sediment buildup can cause corrosion but draining it regularly will help ensure it works optimally and provides consistent hot water.
- Change HVAC Filters. Keep your air clean and your HVAC system running smoothly by changing the filters every three months. It’s an easy task that improves air quality and system efficiency, and replacement filters are readily available.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dusty blinds and windows can make your home feel less fresh. Clean them every month using a microfiber cloth or a vacuum to remove dirt buildup and keep them in top condition.
- Check for Pests. Pests can damage your home if left untreated. Be sure to check for any signs of infestation every month and contact your property manager if you notice pests. Professional pest control may be necessary to address the issue.
- 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
While basic maintenance can be done by renters, some problems require expert help. If you encounter issues like electrical faults or plumbing leaks, report them to your landlord so they can send a professional technician.
By staying on top of these tasks, you can prevent major problems and maintain a great relationship with your landlord. Make them part of your routine to keep your home in peak condition.
If you’re searching for a new rental home, Real Property Management Solutions has properties available in Hillsboro. Browse our listings today, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.
Originally Published on Sep 16, 2022
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