{"id":13330,"date":"2020-05-27T11:49:31","date_gmt":"2020-05-27T18:49:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/?p=13330"},"modified":"2020-05-28T11:56:12","modified_gmt":"2020-05-28T18:56:12","slug":"maintenance-home-bound-tenants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/maintenance-home-bound-tenants\/","title":{"rendered":"Apartment Maintenance Tips for Home-Bound Tenants"},"content":{"rendered":"

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These days, most people need to stay at home because of COVID-19. Unfortunately, self-quarantine means that you need to use your apartment more than usual. Many rentals can’t sustain constant wear and tear \u2013 and at the moment, you shouldn’t call on maintenance unless there’s a genuine emergency at hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are a few ways to care for your apartment so that you don’t run into any issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Avoid Unwanted Pests<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you don’t usually cook at home or keep your fridge stocked, you may not encounter any problems with pests. Now that many of us can’t leave the house to eat at restaurants, those circumstances have changed. We need to make every meal ourselves, which can be an enjoyable lesson \u2013 and a potential concern. Specific bugs and rodents like to <\/span>seek out human food<\/span><\/a>, so you should look for preventative measures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure to store your dry, perishable items inside tight plastic containers. You should also remove trash as soon as possible. Even high rise complexes can suffer from pest issues<\/a> since it only takes one to start a problem.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Prevent Clogged Drains<\/b><\/h2>\n

Here’s another important but not-so-fun topic that you should address. Now that you’re home all day, your drains need to work overtime for water to flow correctly. Of course, as you cook and clean more often, it becomes harder for your pipes to stay clear.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s necessary to discover a few handy solutions so that you don’t have to call a plumber. Plus, you can learn a new skill. You can use some household supplies to unclog bathroom sinks and floor drains, <\/span>such as baking soda<\/span><\/a> and white vinegar.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, you may need other professional supplies for more serious issues. Choose eco-friendly products when possible so that you don’t damage your pipes or the planet. Your water bill should reflect the difference when all’s said and done. No matter what you choose to use, make sure it’s approved by your landlord or property manager.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Replace Broken Fixtures<\/b><\/h2>\n

Your time at home could cause you to overuse certain fixtures \u2013 which may break! If you come across a burnt-out lightbulb or your smoke alarm needs batteries, take on those hiccups by yourself. Sometimes, tenants <\/span>like to alert their landlords<\/span><\/a> to every concern, even the insignificant ones. If you can mend it without too much money or effort, set aside the time to do so. Your maintenance worker will thank you later.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, you should always leave substantial problems to the professionals. If you notice a large water stain on your wall, that’s the time to contact someone immediately. Most often, you can find a solution yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Clean Every Day<\/b><\/h2>\n

You don’t need to clean your apartment from head to toe all of the time, but it’s essential to keep your space tidy and prevent problems that could threaten your security deposit. Make it a goal to act as if you own your apartment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With the household at home all day, the chance for spills, splatters, and other accidents is increased. If commercial cleaning supplies are scarce in your area, try <\/span>alternate solutions like dish soap<\/span><\/a>, vinegar, and baking soda to spot treat carpets and wipe down counters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, keep tasks to a regular schedule. These chores could include wiping down countertops, mopping the floor, and putting away clothes. Eventually, you’ll establish a routine that creates a cleaner, tidier area. Then, when you move, you won’t need to deal with any major messes or damages.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Lower Utility Costs<\/b><\/h2>\n

Utilities can feel like a major pain for tenants \u2013 especially lately, as some can’t go to work. When you spend time inside, you use more water, gas and electricity. Fortunately, your internet costs shouldn’t increase, but <\/span>other bills certainly add up<\/span><\/a>. Sometimes, you can’t avoid turning on the oven or taking a daily shower. Thankfully, you can take certain steps to reduce your monthly payments.<\/span><\/p>\n

For instance, you could turn down the thermostat and wear slightly heavier clothes when it’s chilly. Make sure to tighten leaky faucets so that you don’t waste any water. Switch off the lights when you leave a room, and double-check the seals on your doors and windows. Try not to leave your TV playing, either.<\/span><\/p>\n

Take Care of Your Rental During Quarantine<\/b><\/h2>\n

Now that you have to spend more time at home, it’s essential to take care of your rental correctly. Use these ideas to stay on top of potential problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

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