Warmer Weather Maintenance for Landlords and Renters
March 5, 2022
March ushers in warmer temperatures and the beginning of Spring. It is a great time to get into the habit of deep cleaning and taking care of any necessary maintenance on rental properties. Getting into a seasonal habit with maintenance can help keep down major repair costs. For renters, it is a good time for deep cleaning and inside maintenance. While renters do not have the same responsibilities that landlords do, they are responsible for cleaning, and advising the landlords of any needed repairs.
Landlords Responsibilities
When it starts getting warmer outside, it’s time to get your HVAC system checked. Checking and maintaining the HVAC can cut down on any unexpected problems before the summer heat arrives.
Walk around your home and look for any cracks in the foundation. Some cracking is normal, however anything bigger than 1/16 of an inch, you will want to have it checked out. Clean out the vents in your foundation. Regularly cleaning of the vents keeps proper airflow under the house and cuts down on mold and mildew.
While you are checking for cracks, look for any moisture from leaking pipes under the house. The Winter can be hard on your pipes and small leaks can spring up without you realizing it. Have your renters check for any mold or moisture inside the house. Interior humidity in the Winter can sometimes lead to mold growing inside.
Spring comes in with a lot of rain, making it a good time to get the roof checked. Damages to the roof left unattended can lead to structural problems, mold, and a whole host of other issues.
While you are having the roof checked, it’s a good time to check the gutters. Making sure the gutters are cleaned out and not tilted, can keep water from flowing into the framing of your house. Water that gets into the framing can lead to mold, electrical issues and
possible fires.
One of the wonderful things about Spring is the flowers. Take time to plant flowers and tend to the landscaping in your yard. Trim any trees and bushes that are overgrown and make sure all the lawn equipment is in working order. While you are working on the outside, pressure washing porches, sidewalks, and the siding can help boost your curb appeal too.
While there are a lot of other things Landlords are responsible for, these are a good place to start to maintain your rental. Making and keeping a seasonal checklist can cut down on costly repairs.
Renter Responsibilities
Renters have a responsibility for helping maintain the home they rent. They are responsible for the inside of the home, making sure it’s clean and any needed repairs are reported in a timely fashion.
The Kitchen
Start by decluttering the cabinets, inside and out. Cleaning the ventilation fan over the stove will help with its efficiency and air circulation.
Move the stove and refrigerator out and clean behind them, making sure you vacuum the refrigerator coils. This will help the refrigerator run more efficiently and prevent a fire. Clean and wipe out the insides of the refrigerator and the stove.
Wipe down walls, and the top and fronts of cabinets. Clean window sills, windows, inside and out, and screens.
Clean under the cabinet, making sure there are no empty containers and that cleaning supplies are stored safely
Living Room and Dining Rooms
Declutter bookshelves and tables.
Dust all tables, bookshelves, and lamps.
Clean windows, inside and out, screens included.
If you have carpet, clean any spots with a carpet cleaner. If there are any holes or repairs needed to the carpet, inform your landlord.
If you have hardwood floors, sweep and use a wood safe cleaner to clean them. Wipe down baseboards and crown molding, take notice of any that are loose.
Wipe down any ceiling fans, cleaning the blades carefully and the light fixtures. Spring is a good time to flip the switch to change the airflow on your fan for maximum cooling.
Check electrical cords, replacing any that show wear and tear.
Wipe down the walls and dust any pictures or decor on the walls.
Change your HVAC filters. If you have a window air conditioning unit, remove the filter to wash. Check the batteries in your smoke detectors and CO2 detectors. It is a good habit to check the batteries with every time change.
The Bathroom
Declutter the bathroom cabinets and get rid of any empty containers. Do the same with under the cabinet, making sure any cleaning supplies are stored safely.
Clean the ventilation fan and screen. This, again helps it run efficiently and keeps mold and mildew from forming.
Wipe down the walls, crown molding, and baseboards. Make sure to clean any decor on the walls too.
Wipe down cabinets, toilet, and tubs. Clean out the medicine cabinet and safely dispose of any outdated medications. Clean the mirror.
Sweep and mop the flooring. Make sure the rugs do not have holes or tears in them.
Go through towels, washcloths and hand towels, getting rid of any with holes or rips.
Bedrooms
Declutter dressers and bookshelves. Dust them thoroughly, and make sure to clean any mirrors.
Flip mattress and wash bedding.
Wash curtains and clean windows and screening inside and out.
Clean the blades on any ceiling fans, flip the switch on the fan so it will cool more efficiently.
Wipe down the walls, baseboards, and crown molding.
Clean any spots on the carpet and vacuum. If there are any holes or tears in the carpet, inform the landlord.
Porch area
Clean any debris off the porch. If there are any needed repairs, loose boards or rotted areas report them to your landlord.
Replace any outside mats that are torn or mangled.
Spray off any deck chairs or tables and look for wear and tear.
Clean screen or glass doors, looking for any damages.
Spring is a great time to add some color to your porch. Flowers or new seat cushions can add an inviting pop of color to the outside of your house. It can also make the porch a nice, welcoming place for you and your family to relax outside.
Conclusion
Spring ushers in warmer weather and a seasonal reminder to check maintenance issues inside and outside of your home. Landlords can check with their renters to make sure the inside seasonal items are being maintained and if there are any issues to be addressed. While these are only a few items to maintain, getting into a seasonal habit can help cut down on the cost of repairs and protect your investment.