Maintaining your rental home will help you avoid costly repairs and build a positive relationship with your landlord. Frequent maintenance keeps your house in excellent shape. Ten little chores that renters should develop a habit of performing here.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. To provide a cool breeze in the heat, your ceiling fan should run counterclockwise. It should spin clockwise in the winter to drive warm air down from the ceiling. Your HVAC system will run more effectively and help you keep your utility bills under control by changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year.
- 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. To ensure your outdoor AC unit functions properly, clean it monthly. Remove leaves, dirt, and any debris that could block airflow and reduce the unit’s efficiency.
- Change HVAC Filters. Your HVAC filters play a critical role in keeping your home’s air clean. Change them every three months to keep the system running efficiently and the air in your home fresh.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt accumulate quickly on blinds and windows. Wipe them down every month using a microfiber cloth or vacuum to remove dirt and keep them looking fresh.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause serious damage if not addressed early. Inspect your home monthly for any signs of pests such as droppings or damage. If you spot anything, contact your property manager for 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
If you experience issues like electrical problems or plumbing leaks, it’s time to contact your landlord. They’ll send a professional to handle the repairs, ensuring everything is fixed properly.
Performing these small maintenance tasks can help prevent bigger issues down the road. Add them to your monthly checklist and keep your rental home in tip-top shape!
Looking for a new rental home? Real Property Management MidTown can help! We have rental listings in Fort Worth, and you can browse our listings online for your next home.
Originally Published on Sep 16, 2022
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