Plainsboro renters! It’s important to be mindful of the small home maintenance tasks needed to keep your rental home in good condition. By taking care of these tasks regularly, you’ll help avoid costly repairs down the road and ensure that you have a smooth relationship with your landlord. This blog post will discuss ten small maintenance tasks every renter should do!
- Change Ceiling Fan Direction. In the summer, your ceiling fan should spin counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. In the winter, it should turn clockwise to push warm air down from the ceiling. By changing the direction of your ceiling fan twice a year, you can help your HVAC system work more efficiently and keep your utility bills under control.
- Clean Exhaust Fans. Your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans play a key role in venting moisture and odors out of your home. To keep them working effectively, remember to clean them every month. You can simply accomplish this by removing the cover and utilizing a vacuum attachment to remove any accumulated dust or debris.
- Caulk Around Bathroom Fixtures. Inspect the caulking around your bathroom fixtures. You should replace it if it is cracked, peeling, or missing in spots. Cracked or missing caulk can cause mold to form. But prevention is a fast and straightforward task that you can do yourself. Just add new caulk around the base of each fixture with some caulk and a putty knife.
- Clear Drains. Clogged drains are another problem associated with water damage. To avoid this problem, be certain to clear your drains every month. To do this, start by removing hair clogs, pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, and then a cup of vinegar. After an hour, wash with hot water to eliminate any residue.
- Drain Water Heater. As the water heats up, it expands and can cause sediment to develop in your water heater. This can cause corrosion and reduce efficiency. To avoid this situation, keep in mind to drain your water heater once a year. You can complete this by attaching a garden hose to the drainage valve and draining it into a bucket or floor drain. To guarantee that you have enough hot water all year round, you need to conduct regular water heater maintenance.
- Clean Off Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit. Your outdoor air conditioning unit must be clear of debris for optimal performance. Keep in mind to clean off your unit once a month, removing any leaves, dirt, or other gathered debris.
- Change HVAC Filters. Your HVAC system’s filters play a significant role in keeping your air clean and your home comfortable. Don’t forget to change them every three months for the best results. You can easily achieve this by buying replacement filters at your local hardware store.
- Clean Blinds and Windows. Dust and dirt can build up on your blinds and windows, making them look dirty and affecting their ability to function well. To keep them looking their best, be sure to clean them every month. You can do this by dusting with a microfiber cloth or using a vacuum attachment to remove any accumulated dirt or debris.
- Check for Pests. Pests can not only be a nuisance, but they can also cause damage to your home. To prevent this from happening, be sure to check for pests every month and take action if you see any. You can do this by visually inspecting your home and looking for any signs of pests such as droppings or nests. If you see any, be sure to contact your Plainsboro property manager. They can then coordinate with professional pest control if necessary.
- Basic Appliance Maintenance. Performing routine appliance maintenance is essential to keep your appliances running smoothly. To do this, clean your oven and refrigerator once a month. You can also vacuum the coils on your fridge and dust the interior of your oven to prevent problems. Also, be certain to run a self-cleaning cycle on your oven once every three months.
Aside from standard maintenance, other items in your rental home may need professional help. Let’s say you experience electrical issues, water leaks, or other issues, report these to your landlord so that an experienced service tech can be dispatched to fix the problem.
By conducting regular maintenance, you can prevent costly repairs eventually and keep your landlord pleased. For all these reasons, be sure to add these tasks to your monthly checklist and cross them off as you go!
Do you want to find a new rental home? Real Property Management All-Star may offer what you’re after! Browse our listings online to check our inventory.
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