Maintaining your rental home with regular upkeep can prevent costly repairs and ensure a positive relationship with your landlord. In this article, we’ll outline ten simple yet essential maintenance tasks every renter should be mindful of. These small actions can make a big difference in keeping your rental in good condition.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. In the warmer months, set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. In the winter, change it to clockwise to help circulate warm air. By changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year, you’ll help your HVAC system operate more efficiently and keep your utility bills under control.
- Clean Exhaust Fans. Your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are critical for venting moisture and odors from your home. Clean them monthly by removing the fan cover and vacuuming out any dust or debris that’s built up, ensuring they continue to function effectively.
- Caulk Around Bathroom Fixtures. Inspect the caulking around your bathroom fixtures regularly for cracks or peeling. Cracked or missing caulk can lead to moisture problems and mold growth. Simply add new caulk around the base of each fixture with some caulk and a putty knife.
- Clear Drains. Clogged drains can cause significant damage if not addressed. To keep your drains clear, remove hair clogs and pour baking soda down the drain once a month, followed by vinegar. Let the solution sit for an hour before flushing it with hot water to prevent blockages.
- 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 air conditioning unit runs efficiently, remove any debris such as leaves or dirt that can obstruct airflow. Cleaning the outdoor unit monthly will help it function properly and prolong its lifespan.
- Change HVAC Filters. Changing the filters in your HVAC system every three months is crucial to keeping the air in your home clean and your system running efficiently. Replacing filters is a quick task that helps maintain a comfortable living environment.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt can accumulate on blinds and windows, diminishing their appearance and functionality. Clean both every month using a microfiber cloth or a vacuum attachment to remove dust and debris, keeping your home looking fresh.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause significant damage to your home. Make it a habit to check for signs of pests each month. Look for droppings, nests, or other indicators, and report any findings to your property manager to address the issue with professional pest control services if necessary.
- 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
Beyond basic maintenance, other items in your rental home may require professional assistance. For example, if you encounter electrical issues, water leaks, or other concerns, report them to your landlord so that they can send an experienced service tech to fix them.
Regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and keep your landlord happy. For all these reasons, add these tasks to your monthly checklist and cross them off as you go!
Are you looking for a new rental home? Real Property Management Resources could have what you’re looking for in Oklahoma City (OKC) and nearby! Feel free to browse our listings and reach out with any questions.
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