Maintenance Tips

ONGOING PROPERTY MAINTENANCE TIPS: The following is a suggested maintenance guide for your use throughout your tenancy. Although the Landlord does not charge you for normal wear and tear to the unit, you can be charged for damage(s) due to abuse, neglect or lack of regular maintenance.

NOTE: The Tenant will be responsible for payment if any contractor called out for items deemed the tenant’s responsibility (not limited to): resetting circuit breakers, changing light bulbs, appliance cleaning, plugged drains, toilet seat tightening, resetting jammed garbage disposal, smoke detector battery changing, relighting pilot lights for gas fireplaces.

STOVE/OVEN: Clean stovetop daily and drip pans under burners monthly. The oven should be cleaned at least 2 to 3 times a year. Also, the stove should be pulled out and the area behind and alongside of the stove cleaned at least once a year. Be careful not to damage the floor.

FRIDGE: Clean the inside of the fridge 3 to 4 times a year. Pull out the fridge and clean behind (including dust off the coils) at least once a year. Be careful not to damage the flooring. If your refrigerator is equipped with a water or ice dispenser, DO NOT pull it away from the wall. Doing so could damage the water lines that are connected to the fridge. Some refrigerators are equipped with crank legs. Ensure that the legs are down before attempting to pull away from the wall.

DISHWASHER: Clean food off of dishes (and paper off of bottles) before loading them into the dishwasher as these can clog and damage the pump motor. Also, run the hot water in your kitchen before turning on the appliance. Dishwasher soap does not dissolve and clean in cold water.

WASHER/DRYER: These machines need regular cleaning, especially the dryer. Remember safety tip: lint is highly flammable and clogged dryer can potentially catch on fire. Lint filter must be cleaned after every drying cycle. Also, the area around both machines should be cleaned regularly to prevent lint and dust from clogging the motors and assemblies.

BATHTUBS/SHOWERS: Bathtubs and shower surrounds (tile) should be cleaned weekly. Soap scum and hard water deposit can break down the sealants and grout causing water leakage to the wall area behind and ultimately to substructures and flooring. Consider using Bar Keepers Friend cleanser or similar acidic cleanser - great for Florida's hard water.

It is important for you to know that it is your responsibility to prevent any water getting out from tub or shower space. Floor around tub and shower is a regular floor and is not watertight. If water spilled for any reason, wipe it up immediately even if it looks like a few drops. Water always works its way into the sub-flooring and destroys the flooring and ceilings below. High humidity supports mold growth which is unhealthy for you and other residents. Inform the management if there is any water issue that you are unable to control.

DRAINS: If your toilet becomes plugged, try using a plunger first. Clogged sinks, showers and bathtubs most often get clogged with hair and soap scum. Clean your drain periodically to prevent accumulation and clog formation. Learn how in a few simple steps:

Remove the drain guard by twisting or sometimes unscrewing a couple of screws. 
You should see clump of hair right on the surface of the drain
Put protective gloves on. Using plastic drain tool or any other suitable long object, remove hair from the drain until you no longer see any
Use plunger if drain is still clogged then flush with running water
If steps above did not fix the issue, use DRAINO or similar types of products per manufacturer's instructions.

If this does not clear the plug, we will call a plumber to clear the blockage. If the blockage was the result of a faulty toilet or drain or blockage due to tree roots, owner will be responsible for the repair bill. However, the owner does not pay for the cost of maintenance if the problem is related to tenant's use, expect to be charged for the maintenance in the next rental cycle. 

FAUCETS: If a sink faucet suddenly provides low water pressure, or water is spurting out, you may have a clogged aerator. This may happen overtime due to hard deposits or after any plumbing repairs when debris in the pipes gets dislodged. It takes only a minute to fix the issue

First twist aerator off the faucet spout
Turn it upside down and flush it out with running water
If you notice hard mineral deposits, soak the aerator overnight in white vinegar to dissolve
Check inside the faucet spout if there is any blockage, flush with water
The next morning rinse and reattach the aerator

GARBAGE DISPOSAL: Learn how To Reset A Garbage Disposal In 4 Steps

Garbage disposal may get clogged with food waste. To avoid clogging do not dispose hard food waste or large chunks of waste. In the event disposal got jammed:

Unplug the garbage disposal or switch the breaker off.
Locate the recessed hex-shaped hole in the bottom of the garbage disposal.
Insert the standard hex-head Allen wrench or the wrench that came with the disposal into the hole.
Turn counterclockwise and clockwise until the blades move freely.

CARPETS/FLOORING: These should be vacuumed at least once weekly. Carpets should be steam cleaned at least once a year, and other flooring washed once a month. If you should accidentally stain or damage your carpet, CALL A PROFESSIONAL COMPANY FOR DIRECTIONS IMMEDIATELY! Many household cleaners will permanently set a stain so get advice before proceeding.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

- No structural alterations, painting, papering, curtain/blind installation, or redecorating shall be done by the tenant without prior written consent of the Landlord. Only small picture hooks or nails are permitted. No large screws, drywall anchors or shelf installation without permission from the Landlord. You may be charged for drywall repair and paint after you move out.

- No electric wiring or heating units shall be installed in the premises without the prior written consent of the Landlord.

- If the Tenant is absent from the Premises and the Premises is unoccupied for an extended period as defined under insurance policies, the Tenant is to arrange for inspection by a competent person and inform the Landlord he/she will be absent from the Premises.

- The Tenant shall not affix to or erect upon the Premises any radio or TV dish, antenna or tower, without the prior written consent of the Landlord. Any penetration of siding or roof is strictly prohibited unless agreed in writing by the landlord.

HVAC MAINTENANCE TIPS:

5 REASONS WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTER 

Your air filter plays a crucial role in helping you maintain a comfortable home. If you haven’t replaced your air filter in a while, now is the time to do it. 

Residents are repeatedly advised to change their air filters in their rental properties but many fail to do this regularly. Here are some reasons why replacing your air filter is so important 

1. A Clogged Filter Creates Inefficiency and Higher Costs

No other factor affects the performance and efficiency of your air conditioning system as much as a dirty or a clogged filter. A dirty filter can impede the air flow of your system.  When the air filter is clogged with dust, dirt and grime, your furnace and air conditioner have to work twice as hard to move air through your home. This will drive up your energy bills, increase your carbon footprint and drain you of your budget.

2. A Dirty Filter Pollutes the Air at Your Home

A dirty or contaminated air filter means that the blower is spreading dirty, airborne particles throughout your home. These particles include lint, dust, dirt, pollen, and even tiny microorganisms that aren’t visible to the naked eye. This means that you and your family will constantly be inhaling polluted air. Breathing in polluted air can have a detrimental impact on your health by causing allergies and making asthma and other respiratory problems much worse.

3. A Clogged Filter Increases Your Maintenance Costs

A dirty or clogged air filter will necessarily cause an increase in your maintenance costs. If your air filter is clean, your system will continue to function properly and efficiently.

4. A Clogged Filter Reduces the Life of Your HVAC System

A dirty filter means that your system has to work extra hard to both heat and cool your home. Not only does this lead to inefficiency and greater utility bills, it can also cause your system to overheat and burn out.  The excess strain placed on the blower and the entire air conditioning system can lead to the system breaking down completely. In fact a clogged or dirty filter is the number one cause of system failure. A trained AC tech will be able to identify it and report to your landlord who may choose to pass on the cost of repairs to you. 

5. A Cleaner Filter Leads to a Cleaner Home

Getting rid of your contaminated air filter can lead to cleaner air being dispersed throughout your home. This makes your home far more comfortable and will prevent any allergies caused by dust particles.

Now that you know just how important it is to change your air filter, you might wonder just how often you need to. There is no exact number of days in which you should consider changing your filter. It all depends on the strain you put on your filter but at least once in 3 months in general and more often in peak summer and winter months or if you have pets or dust problem, we recommend once a month.