Maintaining your rental home might seem minor, but regular upkeep can save you from costly repairs and foster a positive relationship with your landlord. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten essential small maintenance tasks every renter should tackle to keep their home in shape. By staying on top of these simple tasks, you’ll protect your living space and demonstrate your responsibility as a tenant.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. In the summer, your ceiling fan should spin counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. In the winter, it should turn clockwise to push warm air down from the ceiling. By changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year, you can help your HVAC system work more efficiently and keep 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. 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. Your outdoor air conditioning unit needs to be kept free of debris. Clean it monthly by removing any leaves, dirt, or other blockages that could affect performance.
- Change HVAC Filters. Changing your HVAC filters every three months helps keep your air clean and your system running smoothly. You can easily find replacement filters at your local hardware store.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt collect quickly on blinds and windows. Clean them every month using a microfiber cloth or vacuum to maintain their appearance and functionality.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause damage if left unchecked. Inspect your home monthly for any signs of pests and contact your property manager if you need professional pest control services.
- 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
For issues beyond basic maintenance, such as electrical or plumbing problems, contact your landlord. They’ll send a professional technician to resolve the issue.
By staying on top of these maintenance tasks, you can keep your rental home in great condition and avoid unnecessary repairs.
Looking for a new rental home? Real Property Management NW Indiana offers listings in Highland. Browse our listings and contact us for more information.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
