Hi everyone! My name is Connor Waldrop, and I am a property manager with Marchant Property Management. One thing I have learned pretty quickly is that maintenance issues are just a normal part of owning and renting a property. Whether it is something small like a minor sink leak or something urgent like an HVAC issue in the middle of summer, things happen. Today, I am going to walk through the top maintenance issues we deal with most often and provide some simple tips for both owners and tenants to prevent them.
Essential Preventative Maintenance Tips
- HVAC Systems: Change your air filters regularly to keep airflow strong and prevent the system from overworking. You should also keep your vents open, as blocked vents can cause uneven temperatures and strain the HVAC system. Finally, schedule servicing and inspections for your HVAC unit every six months or yearly to prevent further issues.
- Plumbing Leaks: Report leaks early by keeping an eye out for signs like water stains on your ceiling or simple drips under sink faucets. Watch your water bills closely, as a sudden increase is a big indicator that there is a hidden leak somewhere in the property.
- Appliance Care: Clean or replace filters, such as the water filter on your refrigerator, to help appliances run efficiently and last longer. Additionally, do not overload your washing machine, which will help prevent internal damage and future breakdowns.
- Pest Control: Keep your food sealed to eliminate what attracts pests in the first place. Clean up open bags, trash, and food crumbs from the floor, and seek early treatment to prevent a full infestation.
- Electrical Troubleshooting: If you lose power in a specific area, check your GFCI outlets and try flipping your breaker off for a couple of minutes before turning it back on, which can easily fix simple power issues. However, you must report any burning smells from outlets immediately, as this is a major safety hazard.
- Drain Clogs: Avoid pouring grease down the drain, as it will harden and clog your pipes. Use a drain screen or catcher to prevent debris from washing down and potentially causing a stubborn clog.
- Water Heater Issues: If you have no hot water, check the breaker first to see if it is just a simple power issue. If that does not work, report hot water issues to us quickly to prevent bigger failures in the future.
- Roof and Window Leaks: Report any water marks or stains on your ceilings or walls immediately, as they can be an early sign of a roof leak. Be sure to check around your windows after storms to ensure water isn't easily getting inside.
- Bathroom Moisture: Always run the bathroom exhaust fan to remove moisture and prevent possible growth. Maintaining constant airflow going in and out of the bathroom reduces moisture buildup on the walls and ceilings.
Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Always be sure to follow the guidelines outlined in your lease, as our lease is the ultimate guide. Communicate with us early to ensure faster fixes and possibly lower repair costs down the road.
You can reach our team via our website, emails, or phone numbers. We want to be there to help you, and we really just want you to be living your best life in your new house!
