Property maintenance is tricky but doable, many things need to be considered and must not be neglected, one of these items are the major appliances. Quality appliances in your Acworth rental properties should be in pristine condition as they add value to your overall score if you want to draw in more renters. When appliances are not properly maintained, they may fail faster and require replacement more frequently.
There are plenty of basic steps landlords and tenants can do to prolong the lifespan of the appliances in your rental home. By following easy safety measures, you can help make sure that each appliance lives up to its full potential. As simple as it may seem, taking some time to read and understand the appliance’s manual is the first step to keeping an appliance running. A good landlord will provide a copy of all appliance manuals and encourage their tenants to read them.
When it comes to individual appliances, basic maintenance can go a long way toward improving their longevity. For instance, refrigerators need their gaskets and coils cleaned on a regular basis. The gaskets are the plastic strip that forms the seal around the refrigerator door. To prevent gapping, wipe down the gaskets a few times a year. Cleaning the coils is also easy; just take out the cover and vacuum or use a soft bristle brush. If your refrigerator comes with filters, it is also a great idea to set up a schedule to change these for your renters to guarantee that it is done the right way on a consistent schedule.
Dishwashers also need care every so often and it’s easy to clean the gasket with soap and water, helping this appliance stay watertight. Check the filter regularly and remove any debris. You should also make sure your dishwasher is level with the floor. An unbalanced dishwasher can create vibrations that will hurt the machine as well as your dishes. Along with mechanical features, running a hot water cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner every few months will also increase your dishwasher’s lifespan.
When it comes to washers and dryers, proper use goes a long way toward keeping them in good shape. Overloading the machines is the number one culprit of poor performance and breakdowns. Loads that are too large for the machine put a strain on the motor, belts, and transmission, leading to rapid wear and tear. Encourage your tenants to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations about load size. In addition to that, dryer vents should be checked and cleaned regularly to avoid buildup. When lint and debris get caught in the external vent, it can lead to motor or thermostat failure – not to mention creating a serious fire hazard. We recommend double checking the vents each time you replace the filters.
Even though most of the maintenance responsibilities are easy, they are time-consuming and would demand efforts. Inspiring renters to help is a crucial initial step but making sure that they are genuinely done can be a hurdle. Why not save yourself both time and expensive repairs by turning to the experts at Real Property Management East Cobb? We conduct regular property evaluations and maintenance services that include large appliance care, saving you money by increasing the lifespan of all major appliances in the home. Please contact us or call us at 770-622-5657 today for more information.
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