As a tenant, it is also your responsibility to help maintain, prevent, and make us aware of potential future issues in your home. Here is some helpful information to help you take care of the rental home you are borrowing from our clients.
Tenant Maintenance Schedule
Monthly
- Change HVAC filters: Change every three months, but inspect them every month. As part of the Resident Benefit Package, you will receive filters delivered on your doorstep.
- Clean kitchen sink disposal: Put some vinegar in an ice tray and let it freeze, then run the ice cubes through the disposal. It freshens it, but as a bonus, ice sharpens the blades.
- Clean range hood filter: Use a degreaser from an auto parts store mixed with hot water. Let the filter sit for a few minutes, rinse it off, and let it dry. Then, put it back.
Quarterly
- Test smoke/carbon dioxide detectors: Your detectors should have a "test" button. If the alarm sounds, you're good to go. If not, replace batteries immediately and test again. If it still doesn't sound, it's possible there's simply corrosion on the battery terminal and it won't detect new batteries. Clean it and try again. If it still doesn't work, you'll likely need a new detector.
- Run water and flush toilets in unused spaces: This mostly applies to guest bathrooms, or any other sinks/water sources you don't use on a regular basis. The idea is to prevent grime or any other kind of buildup. Regularly running a little bit of water through will prevent this.
- Inspect your fire extinguishers: Ensure you have easy access to it (nothing blocking it) and check that the gauge shows adequate pressure and no visible sings of wear and tear.
- Vacuum refrigerator coils at rear & floor vent at front: Your refrigerator can use up to 15% of your home's power, so running it efficiently by making sure it is clean can save you money in energy costs.
- Check handles and knobs: Tighten any that may be loose
- Check all locks & deadbolts: Put graphite in keyholes if they are difficult to turn
- Deep clean the house: Give a proper deep cleaning to appliances, & windows, dusting every nook and cranny. Keeping things clean and not letting dirt/grime/dust build up will keep the home running more efficiently and help you save money on utilities.