There are manageable actions landlords and tenants can practice to lengthen the life of the appliances in your rental home. By adopting several easy precautions, you can ensure that each appliance lives up to its full potential. Believe it or not, reading 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.
For individual appliances, basic maintenance can go a long way toward refining their longevity. For example, 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 more than a few times a year. Cleaning the coils is also easy; simply eliminate the cover and vacuum or use a soft bristle brush. If your refrigerator comes with filters, it is a decent plan to set up a schedule to modify these for your renters to warrant it is adequately finalized on a consistent basis.
Dishwashers also need attention from time to time, 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. In addition to mechanical aspects, 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 big for the machine put pressure on the motor, belts, and transmission, leading to rapid wear and tear. Encourage your tenants to comprehend the manufacturer’s recommendations about load size. In addition to that, dryer vents should be inspected and cleaned habitually 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.
These responsibilities sound simple, but they are time-consuming and demands your attention and energy to accomplish. Encouraging renters to participate is an essential first step but making sure that they are genuinely completed can be a challenge. Why not save yourself both time and expensive upkeeps by turning to the experts at Real Property Management Brevard? We complete regular property evaluations and maintenance services that comprise large appliance care, saving you money by increasing the lifespan of all major appliances in the home. Please contact us or call us at 321-610-8022 today for more information.