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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 with regular upkeep is essential for preventing costly repairs and keeping a positive relationship with your landlord. Here are ten small but crucial maintenance tasks every renter should tackle.

  1. Change Ceiling Fan Direction. To improve your home’s energy efficiency, change your ceiling fan’s direction twice a year. In summer, the fan should spin counterclockwise to cool the room, while in winter, clockwise rotation helps circulate warm air.
  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. Check for cracked or peeling caulk around bathroom fixtures. Recaulking these areas is an easy way to prevent water damage and mold. Simply add new caulk around the base of each fixture with some caulk and a putty knife.
  4. Clear Drains. Clogged drains can lead to water damage if left unchecked. Clear your drains every month by using baking soda and vinegar to remove debris, followed by flushing 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. Leaves, dirt, and debris can accumulate on your outdoor air conditioning unit, reducing its efficiency. Clean it every month to keep it running smoothly during hot weather.
  7. Change HVAC Filters. Your HVAC system works best with clean filters. Change your filters every three months to improve air quality and ensure that your HVAC system is functioning efficiently.
  8. Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt can accumulate on blinds and windows, making them look dingy. Clean them monthly to keep them fresh and in good working condition, using a microfiber cloth or a vacuum.
  9. Check for Pests. Pests can cause serious damage to your rental property. Check for signs of pests every month, such as droppings or nests, and notify your property manager if professional pest control is needed.
  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

While renters can handle many basic maintenance tasks, some issues require professional help. For complex repairs like electrical problems or plumbing issues, notify your landlord so they can send a professional.

By staying on top of these small tasks, you can prevent bigger problems and maintain a positive relationship with your landlord. Make sure to add these to your monthly checklist!

In search of a new rental home? Real Property Management Teague has listings available in Latham. Browse our listings and reach out with any questions!

 

Originally Published on Sep 16, 2022

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