Maintaining your rental home is a smart way to avoid costly repairs and build a positive relationship with your landlord. By committing to regular upkeep, you can help keep your home in good shape while saving money. Here are ten essential small tasks renters should stay on top of.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. Make sure to change the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year. During summer, it should spin counterclockwise to create a cool breeze, while in winter, a clockwise rotation helps push warm air down, optimizing your HVAC system and keeping 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 can cause water damage and bigger issues down the road. Clear them every month by using baking soda and vinegar, then flush with hot water to remove hair clogs and other debris.
- 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 AC unit must be clear of debris to work efficiently. Clean it monthly by removing leaves, dirt, and any other accumulated materials. This keeps your unit running efficiently.
- Change HVAC Filters. Change your HVAC filters every three months to keep your home’s air clean and your HVAC system working properly. It’s a quick and affordable task that can help extend the life of your system.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt can accumulate on blinds and windows, diminishing their look and function. Clean them every month using a microfiber cloth or vacuum to keep them looking fresh and clear.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause significant damage if left unchecked. Inspect your home for signs of pests every month. If you notice any, contact your property manager to coordinate 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
Sometimes, problems will arise that require a professional. Electrical issues or leaks should be reported to your landlord right away, so they can send someone to fix the issue.
Regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and ensure your rental home remains in good condition. Add these tasks to your monthly checklist for a hassle-free rental experience.
Looking for a new rental home? Real Property Management Sugarland has properties available in Sugar Land. Browse our listings to find your next home, and reach out with any questions.
Originally Published on Sep 16, 2022
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