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Top 10 Maintenance Tasks to Put on Your Calendar

Evanston Property Manager Changing Smoke Detector BatteriesFor many Evanston rental property owners, the list of maintenance tasks your rental needs can seem overwhelming. Missing the occasional task won’t usually cause problems, but there are maintenance tasks that you have to do every year. Neglecting these maintenance tasks can not only lead to decreased tenant satisfaction but big repair bills down the road. Doing just these ten maintenance tasks will save you from many headaches along the way.

1. Change Your Filters

Correctly and regularly change your furnace filters. If your filters are clogged, it could lead to poor indoor air quality and a decreased life span of your rental property’s furnace.

2. Clean Your Dryer Vent

You would not want to overlook your clothes dryer vents. Basic maintenance tasks must be done at least once a year since this is one of the top causes of residential fires in the U.S. A clogged dryer vent may not only be a fire hazard. It can also harbor unwanted pests and cause mold problems.

3. Relight the Pilot Light

Most property owners turn off the pilot light during warm months. You have to relight it and check if the system is working well long before cold weather arrives. You wouldn’t want your tenants sitting in the cold while you fix the furnace.

4. Drain Sediment From Your Water Heater

It is natural for sediment to accumulate at the bottom of every water heater. To extend the life of your rental property’s water heater and ensure that it is working properly, be sure to drain it once a year.

5. Look for Leaks

It sounds simple, and it is. Once a year, do a thorough visual check of your property’s plumbing, fixtures, sprinklers, and so on. Look for signs of leaks or pooling of water, and have these checked immediately.

6. Change Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries

Another important task you should do yearly is to replace the batteries in your rental property’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Do not wait for the unit to fail and start beeping to save yourself and your tenant from having to deal with that headache.

7. Lubricate Garage Door Springs

Owners of rental properties with a garage should lubricate the springs and wheels of their garage doors at least once a year. Where a neglected garage door would fail after a few years, a properly lubricated garage door will work smoothly for many years.

8. Give Your Appliances Some TLC

Simple, basic maintenance done yearly can extend the life of your rental property’s appliances. Take your refrigerator as an example. Vacuuming the coils and cleaning the seals around the refrigerator doors will keep this important appliance lasting longer.

9. Clean Window Weep Holes

You might have noticed that your vinyl windows have a weep hole on the exterior. This helps drain away water and condensation. If left unattended, these holes can become clogged with dirt or insects. Flushing out the weep holes once a year will help keep condensation and moisture problems at bay.

10. Check for Pests

Finally, if you are not yet doing so, check your property for signs of pest infestation. Termites can start as a small problem. But it can become uncontrollable if left unchecked, causing damage to even your tenant’s things.

Property maintenance is an integral, but often time-consuming part of owning rental properties. Why not let the professionals handle it for you? Real Property Management Chicago Group offers a full range of property management and maintenance services provided by expert Evanston property managers, giving you total peace of mind that essential maintenance tasks are being done every year. Learn more by contacting us online or calling at 312-265-0660.

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