Summer is here, along with fun at the beach and pool, barbeques, and warm nights. If you have a rental home though, it’s time to do some summer maintenance; rain, snow, hail or other fun seasonal weather can wreak havoc on your home.
Here is your short list of maintenance to make sure your rental home stays in tip top condition:
Replace the air conditioner filter. Replacing the air conditioner filter is one of the easiest low-maintanence things you can do to keep the air conditioner running smoothly in your rental home. The rule of thumb is to replace the filter every six months. Filters typically cost fewer than ten dollars at any home improvement store; one idea is to make sure your renters have a continual stock of filters and provide them with reminders to change it.
Service the air conditioner. Besides replacing the air conditioner filter, you should also have the air conditioning unit serviced. You can either do this yourself or call someone to do it. Experts advise you should do this once a year, typically before summer. Either way, the process includes removing debris, cleaning the fins, as well as cleaning around the unit and leveling it.
Check sprinklers. Check the sprinklers for leaks, clean any clogged nozzles and sprinkler heads to ensure sprinklers are running at 100% capacity. This is usually something you can do yourself if you just follow a few simple steps. The one thing you’ll need help with is getting the cross connection assembly or back flow tested by a state-certified tester.
Set the Timer. If you have a sprinkler system, you probably have a timer. Set a timer to deep water instead of watering every day; this should help you/your renters save money on the monthly water bill and keep the yard green.
Patch Cracks & Holes in Driveway. The way you repair differs depending on what material your driveway is made of, but either way fixing the cracks and holes will ensure your driveway lasts longer and make it aesthetically pleasing, which will also please your renters.
Lay New Mulch. Just like holes in the driveway, a lawn that isn’t kept up detracts potential renters before they even get to see the inside of the home. Laying new mulch is an easy way to freshen up your landscaping and boost curb appeal. One to two inch layers are usually enough mulch. Putting too much can suffocate plants and keep them from growing.
Wash Windows & Clean Screens. Ideally, windows and screens should be cleaned twice a year, but nobody likes to clean windows in the winter! Summer is a great time to get those windows sparkling clean and let the light shine into your rental home. Don’t forget to clean the screens as well; wet them with a hose and then scrub the dirt off.
Pressure Wash Patios, Walkways, and Driveways. Clean patios, walkways and driveways show that you care about your rental property and give it great curb appeal. You can rent a pressure washer from your local home improvement store and get the job done yourself, if you don’t own one. This is another quick and easy maintenance tip that can make a huge difference, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain.
