There are simple steps landlords and tenants can obtain to increase the lifespan of the appliances in your rental home. By gaining a few uncomplicated cares, you can ensure that each appliance lives up to its full potential. Believe it or not, knowing the appliance’s manual is the first measure 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 to boosting 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, rub down the gaskets a few times a year. Cleaning the coils is also easy; just remove the cover and vacuum or use a soft bristle brush. If your refrigerator comes with filters, it is a good idea to create a schedule to change these for your renters to confirm it is completed properly on a regular basis.
Dishwashers also have a need for attention periodically 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 generate vibrations that will harm the machine as well as your dishes. Along with the mechanical aspects, running a hot water cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner every few months will also extend your dishwasher’s lifespan.
Relating to washers and dryers, proper use helps to maintain them in great shape. Overloading the machines is the number one culprit of poor performance and breaks. Loads that are too immense for the machine put stress on the motor, belts, and transmission, leading to rapid wear and tear. Enforce your tenants to comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations about load size. In addition to that, dryer vents should be checked and cleaned to avoid buildup. When lint and debris get caught in the external vent, it can lead to motor or thermostat failure – not to mention a serious fire hazard. We recommend double checking the vents each time you replace the filters.
Although these tasks are easy to achieve, they do take time and effort. Encouraging renters to assist is an important first step but making sure that they are actually done can be a challenge. Why not save yourself both time and pricy repairs by consulting the experts at Real Property Management Ventura County? We perform regular property evaluations and maintenance services that involve large appliance protection, saving you money by extending the lifespan of all major appliances in the household. Please contact us or phone us at 805-387-3682 today for more information.