Landlord maintenance calendar for a rented house

A rented house needs the same recurring maintenance as any other home, and the owner keeps the calendar. Book the professional visits for the same weeks each year.

In a house built before 1978, lead-based paint in good condition is usually not a hazard. Peeling, chipping or cracking lead paint needs prompt attention.

Every month

• Test the smoke alarmsPress the test button on each one.
• Check the filterInspect, clean or change the furnace or air conditioner filter once a month. A dirty filter can raise energy costs and damage the equipment. Leave spare filters in the right size at the house.

Spring

• Book the cooling system check-upThe technician cleans the coils, checks the refrigerant level and adjusts the blower so the air flows properly. Dirty coils make the system work harder.
• Have the gutters cleaned and repairedClean, working gutters keep water away from the walls and foundation.
• Check that the ground slopes away from the foundationWater then drains away instead of pooling against the house.
• Have the condensate drain checkedThe technician can inspect it during the cooling check-up. Clean drip pans and clear drain lines keep water from collecting where mold can grow.

Fall

• Book the heating system check-upThe technician checks the gas or oil connections, the gas pressure, the burner and the heat exchanger. Problems with any of them can cause a fire or a health hazard. At either visit, the technician also tightens the electrical connections, lubricates the moving parts and checks the thermostat.
• Have the chimney inspected and cleanedA professional should clean and inspect the heating equipment and chimney every year.

Between tenants

• Walk the house with the calendarCheck the filter, test every smoke alarm and look under each sink while the house is empty. Make sure the washer and dryer plug straight into wall outlets.
• Check painted surfaces in an older houseIn a house built before 1978, look for peeling, chipping or cracking paint.

Once a year

• Replace the 9-volt smoke alarm batteriesDo it at least once a year.
• Check each smoke alarm's manufacture dateAn alarm needs replacing 10 years from that date. Hardwired smoke alarms should be installed only by a qualified electrician.
• Have the dryer vent duct cleanedThe ductwork needs cleaning every year. The lint filter needs cleaning every time the dryer runs.
• Run the water meter testRead the meter before and after two hours with no water in use. If it changes at all, there is probably a leak.