General Maintenance Guide
Tenant Home Maintenance Tips: Your Guide to Keeping Your Rental in Top Shape
For tenants who are new to the responsibilities of maintaining a rental property, understanding what’s expected can be a bit overwhelming. Property Management Advisors, Inc. has created this comprehensive guide to help you stay on top of key maintenance tasks and prevent costly repairs. By following these tips, you’ll not only protect your personal property but also maintain the condition of the rental, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free stay.
Tenant Responsibilities and Taking Reasonable Measures
As a tenant, it’s essential to take reasonable steps to protect both your belongings and the owner’s property when maintenance issues arise. For example, if your refrigerator stops cooling, it’s your responsibility to safeguard perishable items until repairs are made. In the case of water damage from an AC leak or plumbing issue, you should immediately shut off the water source and report the problem. Taking quick action helps prevent further damage and keeps repair costs manageable.
Emergency Situations
Sometimes emergencies like flooding, sewer backups, or fallen trees occur. In these instances, it’s important to know how to respond:
Flooding from Rainwater
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If rainwater causes flooding, take photos and videos of the affected areas and report them to PMA.
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If water is reaching electrical outlets, immediately contact the power company to shut off the electricity for safety reasons.
Sewer Backups
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If a sewer backup occurs, avoid using any water fixtures and report the issue right away. Note that any affected carpet must be removed by law due to health hazards.
Tree Falls on a House
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Evacuate the home and contact emergency services immediately. PMA will send someone out to assess the situation and take pictures for insurance purposes. We will also arrange for temporary housing if necessary.
Fire of Structure
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In the event of a fire in the structure, the first and most important step is to immediately call the fire department and evacuate the home. Ensure that everyone is safely out of the property before attempting to contact anyone else. While it may be instinctual to call us first, notifying emergency services should always be the priority.
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Once the fire department has been called, contact PMA to inform us of the situation. PMA staff will come to the property to assess the damage and assist with next steps.
By following these maintenance tips, tenants can avoid unnecessary issues and help keep their rental homes in excellent condition. Always take reasonable steps to protect the property and report any concerns to Property Management Advisors, Inc. so we can address them promptly.
Air Conditioning
To maintain your air conditioning system efficiently, always keep the fan set to "Auto" and adjust the thermostat gradually to conserve energy. It’s recommended to set your thermostat at 78°F during the summer months. If you notice ice forming on the AC unit, turn it off immediately and contact us for assistance to prevent further damage.
Carpets & Flooring
To keep your carpets and flooring in good condition, it's important to vacuum regularly and clean up spills immediately to prevent stains. Avoid using harsh chemicals on any flooring surfaces. Instead, use the appropriate cleaning products, particularly for hardwood floors, to maintain their finish and longevity.
Dishwasher
When using your dishwasher, always use proper dishwasher detergent to prevent excessive suds and leaks. Avoid using hand soap or other cleaners, as they can cause damage to the unit and lead to messy overflow.
Electrical
If you're experiencing electrical issues, start by resetting the GFI outlets if applicable, and check the circuit breaker for any tripped switches. If the problem continues, it could be due to too many appliances overloading the circuit, so ensure you're not exceeding the circuit's capacity. If the issue affects more than just your rental unit, contact the power company to determine if there is a larger outage or electrical problem in the area.
Fireplaces
Always open the damper before using a wood-burning fireplace and avoid overloading it with wood. Dispose of cold ashes safely.
Garbage Disposal
To keep your garbage disposal functioning properly, avoid placing non-food items or fibrous materials like celery or potato peels into the unit, as these can cause clogs or damage. If the disposal stops working, try resetting it using the button located on the bottom of the unit. If the issue persists after resetting, please contact us for further assistance.
Gas Utility
If you smell gas, turn off the gas valve immediately, evacuate the property, and contact emergency services. Be sure to also notify PMA so we can assist with the situation and ensure your safety.
Heating
To conserve energy during the winter, set your thermostat to 68°F and adjust the temperature gradually to prevent straining the HVAC system. This helps maintain efficiency and avoids unnecessary wear on the unit.
Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations should only be used during the appropriate season, and it's important to inspect lights for any damage before hanging them. When the season ends, ensure you dispose of Christmas trees in accordance with local guidelines to avoid any safety or environmental issues.
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Kitchens & Bathrooms
In kitchens, promptly clean up food spills to prevent attracting pests and regularly clean stove vents to reduce the risk of grease fires. In bathrooms, proper ventilation during and after showers is essential to prevent mold and mildew buildup. Additionally, keep drains clear of any blockages to maintain a clean and functional space.
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Pets
As a pet owner, it's important to regularly pick up pet waste and ensure your pets do not cause damage to the yard or other areas of the property. This helps maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the rental space.
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Smoke Alarms
Make sure to test your smoke alarms every 30 days and replace the batteries whenever necessary. Never disconnect or remove a smoke alarm, as it plays a critical role in ensuring your safety.