Remember, home maintenance is required.

Maintaining a home is simple when you’re equipped with the right skills and knowledge. Here’s what you need to know about required tenant maintenance.

Replace the A/C Filter

The air conditioner filter is used to maintain air quality in the home and to keep the A/C functioning properly. Remember, service calls due to lack of maintenance are a tenant expense. The filter size is 19 7/8 x 21 1/2  x 1 and must be changed once every month. Watch a tutorial video HERE.

Reset GFCI Outlets

GCFI outlets may trip when there’s a power surge or outage instead of a circuit breaker. There are three found in the home: in the garage, downstairs half bathroom, and outdoor front porch. Click the reset button to restore power. Watch a tutorial video HERE.

Refrigerator Alarming After Power Outage

After a power outage, the refrigerator alarm will start beeping. Stopping the alarm is as simple as pressing the (+) or (-) temperature control buttons. Watch a tutorial video HERE.

Clean the A/C Drain Line

A/C drain lines must be cleaned monthly. Dirt, dust, grime and mold accumulate within the condensation pipes. Failure to flush them can cause the A/C to stop working, and the tenant will be responsible for repairs. Watch a tutorial video HERE.

Reset the Circuit Breakers

The breaker box panel is found in the garage. In the event of power loss, check and reset all breakers and GFCI outlets. . Watch a tutorial video HERE.

Shutting off the Main Water Valve

In emergencies where a water pipe breaks, it will be necessary to shut off the main water valve. When facing the front of the home, the valve is located to the right side, near the hose bib. Give it a 1/4 turn clockwise to shut if off. Watch a tutorial video HERE.

Smoke Detectors Beeping


First, make sure there is no true fire hazard or emergency. If the beeping is due to smoke from cooking or burning food, the alarm will go off. To silence the alarm, press the reset button. Watch a tutorial video HERE.

Clean the Dishwasher Filter

Clean out the dishwasher filter every two months. The filter is removable and can be soaked in distilled white vinegar if heavily soiled. Gently wash with soap, water and a sponge then reinsert the filter. Watch a tutorial video HERE.

Front Door Smart Lock Flashing

If the front door Smart Lock is flashing red or yellow, this could be due to low batteries. To replace them, remove the front cover and install four (4) new AA batteries.. Watch a tutorial video HERE.

Clogged Plumbing: A Major Culprit of Tenant Repair Costs

Blockages caused by everyday usage, such as clogged drains or toilets, are the financial responsibility of the tenant. Clogged plumbing is one of the most common service requests but also one of the most preventable. Lets take a look at common clogs, what causes them, and how to avoid this costly occurrence for tenants.

Toilet Backups

Here are common items that should never be flushed down the toilet: Wipes of any kind (yes, even ‘flushable’ wipes), paper towels, feminine hygiene products (tampons or pads), cotton balls, medication, condoms, any type of cooking grease/oil, cat litter, excessive hair, cigarette butts, food scraps, band-aids, diapers, or anything other than human excrements and toilet paper. Even excessive toilet paper can clog the drain, so be mindful to use a modest amount.

Sink Drain Blockages

Over time or with excessive use the following items can clog up sink drains: hair, soap scum, grease, oils, food particles, coffee grinds, tooth paste buildup, and other small objects that inadvertently go down the drain. Avoid letting these substances go down the drain and use drain covers to catch debris. Running hot water after use can help clear out gunk before they solidify. Regular cleaning by pouring 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain can break down residues and prevent blockages.

How to Dispose Cooking Grease

Do not dump grease into any plumbing or the yard. To dispose of cooking grease, pour it into a sealed container (such as an empty water bottle or milk jug) and then dump into the trash can.

Appliance Manuals

What are some maintenance tasks required by the tenant?

  • Smoke Alarms: Maintaining smoke alarms (i.e. testing and replacing batteries)

  • Light Bulbs: If a light bulb goes out, you’re responsible for the purchase and installation of a new one.

  • Pest Control: This includes mammals, reptiles, and insects. Keeping the home clean and sanitary can prevent a pest infestation. Store away food and clean up any spills so there is nothing to attract them. Landlord is responsible for extermination of wood-destroying pests.

  • Lock & Keys: The landlord is not required to change any locks in the home. However, if the you desire a new lock and key, you may do so with written consent from the landlord and pay for any costs associated with it.

  • A/C Maintenance: Changing out air conditioner filters and pouring white vinegar down the drain line should be done monthly.

  • Fire extinguishers: If a fire extinguisher is provided, you must maintain it.

  • Window & Door: If tenant breaks or cracks a window or door, they are responsible for fixing it. The same applies to screens for said windows or doors.

  • Tenant-Clogged Drain Lines: If you clog a drain, you must call a plumber to repair the blockage or damage caused by it.

  • Appliances: At move in, you were given appliances that were all in working condition. The expectation is that you maintain them in the same condition they were given to you. Therefore, if they break or get damaged under your care, they become your responsibility. You are also obligated to perform routine maintenance associated with any appliance. This includes cleaning out the dishwasher filter, replacing water filters for the refrigerator, removing lint from the dryer lint trap, etc.)

  • Yard & Lawn Care: Performed by the tenant, unless you have a prepaid Lawn Care Package. Mowing, edging, weeding, trimming and mulching are all part of yard maintenance. If you do not desire to perform this maintenance task, contact your landlord or property manager to ask about adding on yard care to your rent for as little as $60 per month. The irrigation system is automatically set but you must make sure it functions correctly at all times.

  • Blinds: If tenant damages blinds, tenant is responsible for blind replacement.

  • Breakers/GFCI Outlets: In the event of power loss, tenant agrees to reset and check all breakers and GFCI outlets. Tenant is also responsible for any service call which needs a reset of breakers and/or GFCI outlets. See the tutorial videos above.

  • Freeze Warnings: Tenant is responsible for any damages caused by freezing weather that could have reasonably been avoided by reasonable precaution. This includes the following responsibilities: (a) Draining sprinkler system/well pump (b) Allowing interior faucets to “drip” (c) Covering bushes/shrubs with blankets or coverings (d) Covering exposed pipes with blankets or insulation.

  • Mitigation Clause: In the event the tenant is able to mitigate any damages (actual or foreseeable) to the property, they shall make all reasonable attempts to reduce and minimize any occurring damages or conditions the tenant knew, or should have known would have imminently caused damage to the property and/or personal property.

  •  Service Calls: Any service call resulting in an invoice in which no repair was needed or performed will be the responsibility of tenant. If tenant fails to show up for a scheduled appointment with a technician or denies access to a technician, tenant shall be responsible for any service fees incurred. If the repair is deemed caused by tenant misuse, abuse, accidental breakage, or neglect, tenant shall be responsible for the cost of the invoice received.

The General Rule is: If you break it, you must fix it.