Even though you are renting your home, it is still very important to perform routine home maintenance tasks to keep it in good condition. It’s easy to overlook certain things if you think you will be moving in a year or two. However, many aspects of your home or apartment need to be cleaned every month or every couple of months.
1) Change the Air Filter
Air filters are responsible for keeping the air clean and free of allergens. They also help maintain the quality of your HVAC system. Your air filter could be in the wall, ceiling, or floor. If you’re not sure where it is, ask the property manager.
Air filters need to be changed anywhere from every 30 days to every 90 days depending on your living situation. Many filters will have a replacement schedule on the packaging. If you live alone with no pets, you may be able to change it less often. If you have a lot of pets, you will need to change it more often.
2) Clean Your Faucet Aerators
Aerators are screens on the end of the faucet that filter out particles and control water pressure. When you move in, and every six months, you could clean all the aerators. If it’s been a while since they’ve been cleaned, you’ll notice buildup and grime.
To clean the aerator, remove it from the faucet if possible. Then soak it in vinegar for at least five minutes before scrubbing it with a soft brush.
3) Avoid Pests
Nobody wants to share their home with flies and ants. Typically, management companies and landlords will only address pest issues if it’s caused by a problem with the home, such as cracks in walls or openings around windows. That means it’s up to you to prevent them.
The best way to avoid pests is to cut off their food source. This means cleaning counters, floors and anywhere else there may be crumbs or food waste. You may also need to consider using trash cans with lids to stop fruit flies from getting into them. For ants, purchase a couple of ant traps and place them around the kitchen as an extra preventative measure. For flies, as soon as you notice them you should place hanging fly traps around the area.
4) Prevent Clogged Drains
While the plumbing and pipes may not seem like your responsibility, it’s still important you do your part in preventing clogs. Clogs can have substantial consequences if ignored. Purchase hair catchers to install in your shower and bathroom sinks, and a drain strainer for your kitchen sink.
If a slight clog occurs, you may use a drain opener as long as it is approved for use with all types of pipes. You can also try the baking soda and vinegar method. Between stopping excess debris from entering the drain and using appropriate measures to clear the pipes, you should have no problems with clogs.
5) Clean Regularly
Cleaning the whole apartment or house regularly will help prevent many types of issues. Dust ceiling fans and blinds, scrub the floors, and deep clean your appliances at least every couple of months. This helps keep your space in good condition which will be necessary when it comes time to get your security deposit back.
Why Should You Perform These Home Maintenance Tasks?
These basic home maintenance tasks will help keep you and your family healthier, safer, and in a cleaner environment. Performing maintenance will help prevent inconvenient and potentially costly damages.
If you have a maintenance need, remember to contact your management company. If you rent from us at Compass Property Management LLC, you can easily fill out a maintenance request here.
