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Essential Home Maintenance Tips for Renters: Small Tasks to Keep Up With

Person inspecting a dusty bathroom exhaust fan to be cleaned.Maintaining your rental home is essential for avoiding costly repairs and establishing a positive relationship with your landlord. By adhering to these straightforward duties, you can preserve the condition of your home and prevent more significant issues in the future.

  1. Change Ceiling Fan Direction. In order to generate a refreshing airflow during the summer, it is recommended that your ceiling fan rotate counterclockwise. To force heated air downward from the ceiling during the winter, it should be rotated counterclockwise. You can help your HVAC system operate more effectively and keep your utility bills under control by changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Clean Off Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit. Your outdoor AC unit can accumulate dirt and debris, which can affect its performance. Clean it monthly by clearing leaves and debris to keep it running smoothly.
  7. Change HVAC Filters. Keep your HVAC filters clean by changing them every three months. This helps maintain air quality and ensures your system operates efficiently.
  8. Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt collect on blinds and windows over time. Clean them every month using a microfiber cloth or a vacuum to remove dirt and keep them in good condition.
  9. Check for Pests. Pests can cause serious damage if not caught early. Check for signs of pests every month and notify your property manager if you find any evidence of infestations.
  10. 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 encounter major problems, like electrical issues or water leaks, contact your landlord. They’ll send a professional to fix the issue and ensure it’s done correctly.

By staying on top of these maintenance tasks, you can keep your rental home in great condition and avoid unexpected repair costs.

Looking for a new rental home? Real Property Management Bay State West has listings in Ludlow, and you can browse our listings to find your next place.

Originally Published on Sep 16, 2022

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