Maintaining your rental home is crucial for avoiding costly repairs and ensuring a good relationship with your landlord. Here are ten important maintenance tasks every renter should regularly perform to keep their home in good shape.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. To help regulate temperature, your ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise in summer to create a breeze and clockwise in winter to push warm air down. Changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year helps keep your home comfortable and your utility bills manageable.
- 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 lead to water backups and damage. Keep drains clear by using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar once a month. Let it sit for an hour before flushing with hot water to keep your drains free-flowing.
- 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. Outdoor air conditioning units can become blocked by dirt and debris, making them work harder than necessary. Clean off any debris each month to ensure your unit stays efficient and maintains good airflow.
- Change HVAC Filters. Changing your HVAC filters every three months helps maintain good air quality in your home and ensures the HVAC system runs smoothly. Fresh filters prevent the buildup of dust and allergens, keeping your living space healthier.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt buildup on blinds and windows can diminish their appearance and efficiency. Dust your blinds and windows monthly using a microfiber cloth or a vacuum attachment to keep them looking and functioning at their best.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause significant damage to your home if left unchecked. Regularly inspect your home for signs of pests, and if you find anything suspicious, contact your property manager to arrange for professional pest control if 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
Some repairs require a professional touch. If you encounter major problems like leaks or electrical issues, report them to your landlord so they can send a service tech to handle the repairs.
By following these maintenance tips, you can help avoid costly repairs and keep your rental home in great condition. Add these tasks to your monthly checklist and enjoy a well-maintained living space.
If you’re looking for a new rental home, Real Property Management Allegiance has listings available in Fort Lauderdale. Browse our listings or get in touch for more information!
Originally Published on Sep 16, 2022
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