MAINTAINING YOUR RENTAL HOME
MAINTAINING YOUR HOME
Renting a new home whether a single-family home or an apartment unit is exciting! It also means more responsibility for you the occupant. While RAM is typically responsible for the major maintenance issues, you are responsible for the routine upkeep of your home. In a single family home this includes tasks such as changing your air filters, landscaping, pest control, and winterizing your home if you are going away!
Treat This Home As If It Is Your Own.
We have created seasonal reminders about caring for your home. Our list will help keep your home from experiencing larger maintenance issues, while minimizing headaches for everyone!
Coming Soon: If you a current resident with a maintenance issue, before submitting a new maintenance request:
Click here to visit our library of self-help maintenance videos.
Spring
Roof Inspection
Look for signs of damage, leaks, etc. and repair as needed. Contact RAM immediately if you discover any issues.
Ensure trees are not interfering with electric or cable lines
Trees limbs may fall and take down power lines. Hire a professional to trim, when necessary.
Clear out dead plants/shrubs from your exterior
Removing dead plants allows growing plants to remain healthy and makes your home more appealing to friends and family!
Repair/replace damaged window screens
RAM does not replace screens on windows and doors. You are welcome to make repairs on your own or add screens as you wish, at your own expense.
Test your air conditioning system
This is a must do before the summer season arrives. If you have any issues with system operations, please contact RAM ASAP!
Please be aware that the temperature inside your home vs. the outside temperature should not exceed 20 degrees Fahrenheit difference.
Inspect your home exterior
Discover paint chipping? Do you notice any siding or wood damage from the winter? Did you notice and loose or missing bricks? Take some time for a thorough inspection of your home and make any necessary repairs. Lastly: check the foundation for any cracks. A good silicone caulk might solve a lot of your problems!
Check drainage on the exterior
What happens when it rains? Does the water move towards your home or away from you home? If water is moving toward your home, this needs to be fixed so that water drains away!
Step one: clean out your downspouts
Step two: Make sure the connection is tight on your gutter components
Step Three: remove anything that may be preventing rain water from flowing naturally
Finally: grade the area around your home to ensure water flows away and not towards your home.
Clean out those gutters
If water isn’t draining correctly, this will cause damage and leaks. You should clean your gutters at least two times a year.
Change your air filter
Your lease requires you to change your air filter and replacing the air filter prevents harmful debris, dirt, and contaminants from entering your home, body and damaging your HVAC system. You should be changing your air filter every 30-45 days.
Summer
Check and clean dryer vent
When your dryer is operating, make sure that there is exhaust is coming out of the vent! You should notice a nice smell, just like fresh laundry. If you don’t see and/or feel exhaust you will need to check for blockages in the ducting. If you can not solve the problem, you might need to call a professional. Another tip is to use your vacuum to remove any lint from the exhaust hose at the dryer.
Check your window wells for debris and remove
Debris from trees, animals, pollen, insects and other elements builds up here. If you do not clean for debris you’re going to have a mess on your hands, so cleaning is important!. Don’t forget basement windows and doors if your house has them.
Inspect & clean your decking/exterior patio/porches
Porches, decks and patios are typically easy to maintain. Sweep them off and wash from time to time and you enjoy the rest of the time. If you discover any nail heads sticking out, hammer them back in to avoid tripping or foot injuries. At the same time you can look for loose boards, railing or posts then notify the Maintenance team of any issues you can not easily resolve by yourself.
Insect Management
RAM does not replace screens on windows and doors (in your lease). If you want to repair, replace or purchase your own screens feel free to do so, at your own expense.
Look for plumbing leaks
A quick check of all plumbing fixtures for issues can reduce your water bill alot! Look for small leaks in your faucets, toilet, under sinks and vanities. If you notice reduced water pressure from faucet, the filter (aerator) is the likely clogged. This is a really easy repair, call RAM to assist and you will be back to normal before you know it.
Inspect tile and grout for issues
Repair broken, cracked and missing grout with the same color that was there. Not only will this extend the life of the tiled surfaces, it will prevent leaks and tiles from cracking or breaking.
Landscaping
Maintaining your property means cutting your Lawn, trees, and bushes that grow fast in the summer months. As a resident, it’s your responsibility to maintain your lawn, trim tree branches & bushes to keep your landscaping in order and keep your home looking great!
Change your air filter
Your lease requires you to change your air filter and replacing the air filter prevents harmful debris, dirt, and contaminants from entering your home, body and damaging your HVAC system. You should be changing your air filter every 3 months.
Fall
Flush hot water and remove sediment This flushing process prolongs the life of the heater and helps with efficiency as well.
Turn off and flush outdoor water faucets
In addition to turning off and flushing outdoor water faucets, be sure to flush and store away your garden hoses. Winterize sprinkler systems as well.
Test sump pump
This is crucial. You do not want to wait until you need your sump pump to find out it’s not working.
Rake leaves
What is fall without falling leaves? Make it fast and fun by getting the whole family involved!
Clean and prep fireplace If the property has a fireplace, make sure you fully understand the safety and usage requirements before using it. Make sure the damper is open and you have removed anything from around the hearth that could melt. Get the chimney cleaned, if you have one. You can do this in the spring too, just make […]
Weatherstrip/caulk any cracks or leaks Check for any leaks in windows or doors; these can force your heater to work harder and therefore cost you more to run. Some simple caulking can often do the trick!
Check your heating system!! Don’t let the winter cold hit before checking the HVAC. Also, remove and store window A/C units. If you have a central air system, cover the outside unit with a tarp or plastic sheeting and secure with bungee cords. Make sure heating vents are open and not blocked by furniture.
Change your air filter
Air filters prevent harmful debris, dirt, and contaminants from entering your home and ruining your HVAC system. Change your filter every 3 months.
Winter
Be prepared for everything
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace their batteries and test them! Also, make sure your fire extinguishers are not expired and accessible.
Inspect caulking around showers and bathtubs
Repairing caulking around your showers and tubs will not only prevent leaks but it keeps your bathrooms looking new. You can also remove shower heads to clean out any sediment keeping water pressure strong.
Make sure all exterior door and window locks and deadbolts are working
Test all of your locks and deadbolts. If any are not work properly, in most cases spraying a little WD40 or a slight adjustment with a screw driver will fix your issues. If you encounter anything more more severe, please contact RAM.
Test your outlets & switches
Please be very careful anytime you test electricity. Testing all outlets and GFCI outlets to ensure they work may avoid larger electrical issues in the future. If you have any concern or questions, please contact the RAM maintenance team.
Prepare for Ice & Snow
Make sure you have a snow shovel, scraper and ice melter or salt on hand to deal with ice and snow as needed.
Change your air filter
Your lease requires you to change your air filter and replacing the air filter prevents harmful debris, dirt, and contaminants from entering your home, body and damaging your HVAC system. You should be changing your air filter every 3 months.