Living in an apartment comes with its perks - no lawn to mow, convenient city location, high-traffic areas, and a sense of security being some of them. However, it also comes with the responsibility of maintaining your living space.
Routine apartment maintenance improves living comfort and saves money on repairs in the long run. Furthermore, it serves as a practical demonstration of your responsibility as a resident to your property manager.
So roll up those sleeves and grab your toolkit because we’re about to dive into 8 surprising apartment maintenance tips for residents to keep your pad in tip-top shape - all while having some fun!
Why Is Regular Apartment Maintenance Needed?
Regular apartment maintenance is essential for residents to maintain their space optimally and livable. Like any other home, routine upkeep can help avert major problems such as nuisance pest management, clogged drains, and plumbing issues. It also adds to the home’s durability and aesthetics, making it a pleasant place to inhabit inside and out.
8 Maintenance Tips For Apartment Residents
Now that you know why regular apartment maintenance is essential, here are 8 tips for keeping your space in tip-top shape:
1. Start With The Floors
Floors endure substantial wear and tear, making their upkeep a top priority. Regular vacuuming of carpets and rugs is crucial to avoid the accumulation of debris and dust, which can trigger allergies and wear down floors over time.
Wood floors also need a thorough cleaning. Sweep them often and mop them with the appropriate products.
2. Check The Walls
The last thing you want is to have discolored walls or peeling paint. To avoid this, inspect your walls often and look for any signs of damage or wear. If you have wallpaper, check the seams and touch up with paste if necessary.
Additionally, it’s essential to quickly remove any dirt or scuffs that appear to maintain the appearance and longevity of the item.
3. Remember The Windows
Windows are the eyes of your home, so make sure they always look their best. Clean the glass with a gentle soap and water solution to remove dirt and streaks. Also, check the frames and sills for any signs of water damage or wood rot.
4. Be The Leak Detective
Leaks are often the first sign that something needs to be fixed in your apartment. Even a tiny leak from a sink or shower can cause significant damage if left unaddressed. It could lead to mold growth and even compromise the structure of your apartment.
Check regularly for signs of water damage, and ensure all the seals around pipes or shower doors are secure to prevent further issues.
5. Keep Kitchen Appliances Clean
Keep kitchen appliances like the dishwasher, fridge, and stove clean and grime-free. Regularly check for any signs of wear or damage, especially on elements like oven knobs and handles which are prone to becoming loose over time.
It’s also important to regularly clean the inside of your fridge - it’ll help keep food fresher for longer and keep the condenser coils from becoming clogged with dust.
6. Avoid Unwanted Pests
No one wants to share their home with pests! The resident must be vigilant for any signs of pest invasion or other unwelcome visitors. The best way to do this is by regularly checking your home for any signs of bugs, such as droppings or webs.
If you notice anything unusual, contact your property manager immediately so they can take the necessary measures to tackle the issue.
You should also vacuum and dust your apartment regularly to help prevent pests from entering in the first place. Additionally, store food properly and take out the trash often to discourage pests from sticking around.
Seal any cracks or crevices in the walls that could let bugs into your home. These preventative maintenance steps will help keep unwanted visitors out of your apartment!
7. Avoid Unnecessary Repairs
It’s crucial as a resident to be mindful of the normal wear and tear your apartment endures. In case of any issues, inform the maintenance service and your landlord promptly to ensure a rapid resolution.
However, if you’re looking for ways to save money, try fixing minor issues yourself before calling in a professional.
For example, clogged drains and broken fixtures are common problems for many residents in apartment complexes.
Before calling your property manager, try using a plunger to see if you can unclog the drain yourself. Similarly, changing light bulbs and air filters is something that you can do on your own without having to call in a repair person.
These DIY projects will help save you and your landlord money and keep your apartment in good condition.
8. Maintain Cleanliness
As a resident, there’s nothing more important than keeping your apartment clean. From vacuuming and mopping regularly, dusting off surfaces, to tidying up clutter, nothing should be overlooked.
However, while visible dirt is unsightly, mold and mildew pose an even more significant threat, as they can be hazardous to your health. That’s why it’s essential to periodically inspect your home for any signs of mold or mildew growth.
Mold can be toxic and cause allergic reactions. To avoid further spread, promptly addressing the issue is crucial. Cleaning your apartment will help keep it in good condition and help prevent any unnecessary repairs or expenses down the line.
As part of your cleaning routine, ensure proper garbage disposal and recycling. Properly dispose of any hazardous materials, such as paint or chemicals, and never pour anything down the sink that could clog it up.
With these tips, you should be able to maintain your apartment better and help ensure you can stay there longer. After all, it’s a great way to show respect to the property owner while ensuring your rental is in top condition when it’s time to move out.
Are You Using RentCheck To Simplify Apartment Maintenance?
Our final apartment maintenance tip is to download RentCheck and start using it today. RentCheck lets residents, like you, perform mandatory inspections on your own. Your property manager will thank you and you can keep your rental property private, safe, and in tip-top shape!
