From replacing the batteries in your smoke alarms to ensuring mold isn’t building up anywhere, there’s a lot to remember to do and check. Read through our maintenance tips below and be sure to download our apartment maintenance checklist below to stay on track.
If you do notice something that could interfere with the livable condition in your apartment, make sure to check who’s responsible for it before calling in maintenance workers. Consult your lease agreement for clarification. It breaks down property manager responsibilities, as well as what counts as a tenant’s responsibility.
Walls
It’s important to take care of your walls and frequently check for damage. Putting off any issues could mean more of a headache later.
- Check for water damage, especially if you have a wall-mounted or window air conditioning unit. Let your management company know if you see any water stains.
- Look all the way up, too, even if you have high ceilings, to make sure nothing is leaking from the separate floors above you, as well. Regular inspections will make sure you catch an issue even if the tenants above you miss it.
If you’re moving out of your apartment:
- Fill in any nail holes to return your walls to their move-in state. Most apartment complexes require this as part of your lease.
- Remove scuff marks as best as you can to get your security deposit back. Dishwashing detergent is a helpful tool for this task. Create a powerful solution by combining one-half teaspoon of dish soap and two cups of warm water.
Property managers will appreciate not only your quick catch of water damage but also your attention to detail when moving out. It means fewer maintenance tasks for them overall.
Floors
Keep your floors, whether they’re carpet or hardwood, looking as good as new with regular cleaning.
- Vacuum regularly to keep rugs free of dirt and pet hair, which can develop an odor. For ground-floor apartments, set a welcome mat outside your door to trap as much dirt as possible.
- Add your own rugs to high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear on the hardwood. Preventative measures like these can really save floors from damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- Repair wood scratches by rubbing a walnut on the area. It sounds strange, but the oil can help remove scratches. Periodic mopping, with special wood polish, also helps.
- Always clean up any spills immediately so that mold doesn’t build up, especially on carpet. Cleaning your carpet can save you your deposit when it’s time to move out of any multifamily residences.
To handle spills without having to put in a work request with maintenance, keep a few staple items on hand. These include baby wipes, which can help you lift stains right out.
When combined, vinegar and baking soda pack a particularly powerful punch against pet stains such as urine. Combine equal parts together and blot the stain. No matter what you use to clean up, remember to always blot rather than scrub spills, particularly those involving dark liquids such as wine.
Windows
You may not feel like windows are a tenant’s responsibility, but landlords may disagree. You should want to keep your windows sparkling to improve your view for sure, but it’s also important to make sure no repairs are necessary.
- Make sure windows are properly insulated and there isn’t a draft in your apartment.
- Check for cracks as they can worsen over time. If you notice one, submit a work order immediately to replace the window.
- Ensure all screens are in good condition and remain effective at keeping pests out.
Cabinets and counters
Keep your cabinets and counters free of mold and clutter to stay healthy and organized. Preventative maintenance in this area can save you a lot of headaches. You don’t want to deal with apartment maintenance workers in your home if you don’t have to, and cabinet repairs can take a long time.
- Check for dampness and leaks frequently to avoid wood rot or mold build-up. Also, avoid hanging damp towels on cabinets as this can cause rot, as well.
- Disinfect the cabinets and counters at least twice a month.
- Make sure to use cleaners that are safe for your countertops. Some cleaners are too harsh for marble and granite surfaces, and you should opt for soap and water, natural solutions or cleaners specifically designed for these surfaces.
- Regularly check the plumbing within cabinets, as well, especially when it’s cold out. You don’t want a burst pipe to cause a leak.
Kitchen appliances
Kitchen appliances are expensive to replace and create a maintenance nightmare for you. Be sure to take care of the ones that come with your apartment, and immediately contact your landlord if any stop working properly.
- Make sure that all appliances that came with the apartment are all functioning according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure all lights and burners turn on and nothing is leaking or making a funny sound.
- Check that no foul smells are coming from the garbage disposal. If the area smells, cut up a lemon and put it through. Avoid putting food items like coffee grounds, potato skins and other items down the disposal to avoid clogs.
- At least once a month, put in the time to really deep clean appliances, such as the oven and microwave.
- Clean out your refrigerator and check for expired items monthly.
Air conditioning systems
While on the subject of appliances, don’t forget about your air conditioner. No matter what type you have, general maintenance tips always include changing or cleaning air filters at least every three months. If you don’t have a disposable air filter, rinse the filter with water and make sure it’s completely dry before putting it back into the unit.
Residential buildings vary in the type of air conditioners they use, so make sure your landlord has shown you where yours is if it’s not obvious. Some hide in closets.
Bathroom
Your bathroom is your sanctuary. It’s the one dirty area you should always want to clean.
- Check the sinks, bathtub and shower for leaks and lightly clean weekly. You can even create a few daily tasks that include wiping down surfaces with a wet paper towel.
- Ensure that no mold builds up, particularly between the tile on the floor. Mop about once a month to keep grout clean.
- Use bleach to remove bad odors, particularly from the toilet.
- Make sure your toilet is functioning properly and never ignore a clog.
Pest control
Know what pests are common to your area and how to get rid of them as they can cause damage over time. There are also preventative maintenance tricks when it comes to pests that are worth knowing.
- Frequently check for pests as some can wreak havoc on your space. You should know what pests are common in your region so that you can look out for them.
- If you have a rodent problem, talk to your landlord. You can set humane traps, and work with maintenance technicians, to re-home any furry critters.
- Check to see if your building has someone regularly come in and spray, and if not, ask if it’s possible to get this service.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
It’s crucial that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are fully functional at all times. They can literally save your life.
- Replace the batteries on both devices once or twice a year.
- Test both devices at least once a month.
- In addition to smoke detectors, it’s also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Check it yearly to make sure it hasn’t expired.
- If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, but your apartment has a fireplace, buy one that plugs into an outlet. Set it up as close to the fireplace as possible.
Locks
In order to feel safe and secure in your own home, you will want to make sure your locks work.
- Request that the locks get changed before you move in. This is not always a legal requirement for the landlord, so make sure you request it when you sign your lease.
- Test the locks on move-in day and make sure the doors are secure when closed.
- Make sure you and your landlord have a spare set of keys so you don’t get locked out if you lose yours.
Exterior lights and walkway
Apartment complexes should have sufficient lighting at all times, so you can get in and out of your apartment safely. In fact, safety standards most likely require a certain amount of exterior lights, in proper working order. It’s up to you, and all the other tenants, to check these lights. You’ll see them every day.
- Ensure all outdoor lights turn on and that you have good visibility.
- Make sure that the walkway into your building and/or unit is clear of any leaves or branches and that any stone, brick or pavement is in good condition.
- Submit an apartment maintenance request any time you see a light out in a common hallway or the entryway to your building.
Porch or balcony
For those not living in garden apartments, you’ll have one more area to include in your maintenance tasks. Ignoring problems with your outdoor space could lead to safety issues down the line. Make sure everything is up to par.
- Check tiles or wood for any cracks or splintering.
- Ensure that any stairs have traction and are free of wear so that they don’t turn into a slippery situation.
- Make sure any banisters or railings are secure.
- If you do have any green space or a lawn of your own, keep it free of yard waste and do a visual check on the space periodically to make sure everything looks good.
Working with apartment maintenance technicians
One situation a tenant tries to avoid is arguing with a landlord over who’s responsible for maintenance. Another situation that can make a tenant cringe is submitting work requests, and seeing nothing happen. Living in apartments can make the whole situation of needing repairs challenging, but here are some important things to remember:
- Apartment maintenance procedures and responsibilities are almost always spelled out in the lease. When in doubt, look there first.
- Tenants should always have a way to submit maintenance orders, whether someone is on-call 24 hours a day or not. Requests should get handled on a first-come basis no matter if you live in ground-floor studio apartments or penthouses.
- Maintenance technicians of any kind should not enter your apartment without your knowledge. Even if they give you a window of entry, you should receive advance notification.
- If your repair issue affects your ability to live in your apartment, maintenance workers should respond immediately. Uninhabitable conditions include those that result from flooding, pest infestations and any dangerous or unsafe conditions within the unit.
Your property manager should want to keep tenants happy with a strong maintenance response. When looking at potential apartments, always check to see if there are any apartment maintenance certifications on hand to guarantee their good work in this area.
Downloadable apartment maintenance checklist
An apartment maintenance checklist can help you stay on top of caring for your apartment. It’s crucial to properly maintain your apartment and address concerns as quickly as possible. Otherwise, unnoticed or ignored damage can become extremely costly or even a safety issue. Download the checklist to stay on top of your apartment’s needs.
By regularly running through an apartment maintenance checklist you can avoid costly situations. Visit our blog for more apartment living tips to keep your home safe and free of major damage.
