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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.Regular maintenance of your rental home is vital for preventing costly repairs and keeping your landlord happy. Here are ten small but important tasks that can make a big difference in the upkeep of your rental property.

  1. Change Ceiling Fan Direction. Changing your ceiling fan’s direction twice a year can help regulate indoor temperature. In summer, fans should rotate counterclockwise for a cooling effect, while in winter, switching to clockwise will help 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. 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 can cause serious water damage if left unchecked. To avoid this, clear your drains every month by using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water to flush out any clogs.
  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. To keep your outdoor air conditioning unit running efficiently, clean off any debris, such as leaves or dirt, that may have accumulated around it. This simple task helps keep your cooling system in top shape.
  7. Change HVAC Filters. Change your HVAC filters every three months to maintain good air quality and system efficiency. Fresh filters can improve airflow and reduce strain on your HVAC system, saving you money on energy bills.
  8. Clean Blinds and Windows. Dusty blinds and windows not only look unsightly but can also affect how they work. Clean them monthly to prevent buildup, ensuring both the appearance and function of these fixtures are preserved.
  9. Check for Pests. Pests can cause structural damage to your rental home, so it’s important to check for signs of infestation regularly. If you notice anything, notify your property manager so they can arrange for professional pest control if necessary.
  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 you can handle most minor maintenance tasks, some issues, such as electrical or plumbing problems, require professional intervention. Report these problems to your landlord so they can be properly addressed.

Regular maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure your rental home stays in great condition. Make these tasks part of your routine to protect your space and keep your landlord happy.

If you’re in search of a new rental home, Real Property Management Faith offers a range of options in Noblesville. Browse our listings and feel free to get in touch with any questions!

 

Originally Published on Sep 16, 2022

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