Maintaining your rental home is key to avoiding costly repairs and keeping a positive relationship with your landlord. Here are ten small but essential tasks you should prioritize for regular upkeep.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. By changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year, you can help regulate temperature in your home. Fans should spin counterclockwise during summer to cool and clockwise in winter to circulate warm air, helping to reduce utility bills.
- 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 damage if left unattended. To prevent this, clean your drains monthly by removing hair and using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by flushing 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 air conditioning unit runs smoothly, clean off any leaves, dirt, or debris that accumulate on it monthly. A clean unit cools more effectively and lasts longer.
- Change HVAC Filters. Change your HVAC filters every three months to keep your air clean and your system functioning efficiently. Clean filters also improve air quality and reduce strain on your HVAC system.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt build-up on blinds and windows can diminish their appearance and function. Keep them clean by dusting with a microfiber cloth or vacuuming monthly to maintain their shine and usability.
- Check for Pests. Pests can damage your home and lead to larger issues. Check for pests monthly by inspecting for droppings, nests, or other signs. If you spot any, 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
Some issues require professional intervention. If you encounter major problems such as electrical issues or leaks, report them to your landlord immediately so they can arrange for a qualified technician.
By keeping up with these tasks, you can avoid costly repairs and maintain a positive relationship with your landlord. Make these steps part of your routine to keep your rental in peak condition.
If you’re searching for a new rental home, Real Property Management Piedmont has available listings in Atlanta. Browse our listings today and contact us for more details.
Originally Published on Sep 16, 2022
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