Although it may seem insignificant, regular upkeep can prevent costly repairs and build a positive relationship with your landlord. To keep their rental property in good condition, tenants need take care of ten important little maintenance jobs, which we will discuss in this blog post. Maintaining these small but effective duties can safeguard your living area and show that you are a responsible tenant.
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. Your ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise in the summer to produce a refreshing breeze. To force warm air down from the ceiling in the winter, crank it in a clockwise direction. You can make your HVAC system run more effectively and 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. Make care you clean them every month to keep them functioning properly. Remove the cover and use a vacuum attachment to remove any accumulated dust or debris to accomplish this task with ease.
- Caulk Around Bathroom Fixtures. Take a close look at the caulking around your bathroom fixtures. If it’s cracked, peeling, or missing in spots, it has to be replaced. Mold can develop through cracked or missing caulk. But prevention is a simple chore that you can do yourself in a flash. Simply add new caulk around the base of each fixture with some caulk and a putty knife.
- Clear Drains. Water damage can result from clogged drains, which are also an annoyance. Make sure you clear your drains every month to prevent this from occurring. Removing hair clogs, putting a cup of baking soda down the drain, and then a cup of vinegar are all effective methods. After an hour of sitting, flush it with hot water.
- Drain Water Heater. Water expands as it gets hotter, which can lead to sediment to build up in your water heater. Corrosion and decreased efficiency could result from this. To stop this from occurring, 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 operate effectively, your outdoor air conditioning unit must be clear of debris. Remove any leaves, dirt, or other accumulated material as you clean it every month.
- Change HVAC Filters. Keeping your air clean and your home pleasant requires the filters in your HVAC system. Change them every three months to ensure proper operation. At your neighborhood hardware store, you can quickly purchase replacement filters.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Your blinds and windows may accumulate dust and dirt, which may impede their functionality and give them a dirty appearance. Clean them every month to keep blinds and windows looking their best. This can be accomplished by using a vacuum attachment to remove accumulated dirt or debris, or by dusting with a microfiber cloth.
- Check for Pests. Pests can cause damage to your home in addition to being an annoyance. Check for pests every month and take appropriate action if you find any to stop this from happening. This can be accomplished by visually inspecting your home and searching for any signs of pests, such as nests or droppings. Contact your property manager if you notice any. If necessary, they can then work with 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
Other things in your rental home can need professional help in addition to basic maintenance. For instance, report any problems to your landlord so they can send a qualified service technician to fix them.
Regular maintenance can help avoid costly repairs and keep your landlord satisfied. Add these tasks to your monthly checklist and mark them off as you go for all these reasons!
A new rental home may be what you’re after. It’s possible that Real Property Management Unlimited has what you’re looking for in Locust Valley or close by! Browse our listings at your leisure and get in touch with any questions.
Originally Published on Sep 16, 2022
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