Condo Maintenance Tips

📅 Regular Maintenance Schedule

Proper maintenance protects your investment and prevents costly repairs! Stay on top of these tasks. ✅

📆 Monthly Tasks

• Change HVAC air filters 🌬️
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors 🔔
• Check for leaks under sinks 💧
• Clean garbage disposal and drains 🚿
• Inspect caulking around tubs and showers 🛁
• Run water in unused drains to prevent odors 💦

📋 Quarterly Tasks (Every 3 Months)

• Deep clean exhaust fans and vents 🌀
• Check weather stripping on doors and windows 🚪
• Test GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchen ⚡
• Clean refrigerator coils 🧊
• Inspect windows and sliding doors for proper operation 🪟
• Check and clean range hood filter 🍳

📅 Annual Tasks (Once Per Year)

• HVAC professional servicing ❄️
• Inspect and clean dryer vents 🧺
• Check water heater operation ♨️
• Test plumbing shut-off valves 🔧
• Deep clean carpets and upholstery 🧹
• Replace smoke detector batteries 🔋
• Check fire extinguisher 🧯

❄️ HVAC System Care

Your heating and cooling system is critical for comfort. Keep it running efficiently! 🌡️

🌬️ Air Filter Replacement

One of the most important and easiest maintenance tasks:

• Replace every 30-90 days depending on usage 📆
• More frequently if you have pets or allergies 🐕
• Check filter size (usually printed on old filter) 📏
• Buy filters in bulk to save money 💰
• Set phone reminders to stay on schedule 📱

🔍 Signs Your Filter Needs Changing

• Visible dust and dirt buildup 🌫️
• Reduced airflow from vents 💨
• System runs longer than usual ⏰
• Higher energy bills 💵
• More dust in your home 🧹

🔧 Professional Service

• Schedule annual HVAC inspection and cleaning 📅
• Best done before summer and winter seasons ☀️❄️
• Can prevent breakdowns and improve efficiency 💡
• Keep maintenance records for warranty 📋
• Get quotes from multiple HVAC companies 💰

💡 Energy Efficiency Tips

• Use programmable thermostat 🌡️
• Keep vents unblocked by furniture 🛋️
• Close blinds during hot days ☀️
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air 🌀

🚰 Plumbing Maintenance

Prevent clogs and leaks with regular plumbing care! 💧

🚫 Prevent Clogs

• Never pour grease down drains 🚫🥓
• Use drain screens to catch hair and debris 🕸️
• Run hot water after each use of garbage disposal 🌡️
• Monthly: Pour baking soda and vinegar down drains 🧂
• Only flush toilet paper (no wipes, even "flushable") 🚽

♨️ Water Heater Care

• Know the location of your water heater 📍
• Check for signs of leaks or corrosion 💧
• Typical lifespan: 8-12 years ⏳
• Consider professional flushing annually 🔧
• Keep area around heater clear 🧹

🔍 Watch for Leaks

• Check under sinks regularly 👀
• Look for water stains on ceilings and walls 💦
• Monitor water meter for unexpected usage 📊
• Fix dripping faucets promptly (wastes water!) 🚰

🆘 When to Call a Plumber

• Persistent clogs 🚫
• Low water pressure throughout unit 💧
• Water heater issues ♨️
• Visible leaks 💦
• Sewage smells 🤢

🍽️ Kitchen Maintenance

Keep your kitchen clean and appliances running smoothly! 🧼

🧊 Refrigerator

• Clean coils every 6 months (behind or underneath) 🧹
• Check door seals for proper closure 🚪
• Keep temperature at 37-40°F 🌡️
• Clean interior monthly 🧽
• Replace water filter as needed (if equipped) 💧

🍽️ Dishwasher

• Clean filter monthly 🧼
• Run vinegar cycle quarterly (empty load with vinegar) 🫗
• Check spray arms for clogs 💦
• Wipe down door seals 🚪

🔥 Oven & Stove

• Use self-clean feature or manual cleaning as needed 🧹
• Clean spills immediately to prevent baking on 🧽
• Clean range hood filter monthly 🌀
• Check burner drip pans 🍳

🗑️ Garbage Disposal

• Run cold water while operating ❄️
• Clean with ice cubes and citrus peels 🍋
• Never put: grease, bones, pasta, or fibrous vegetables 🚫
• Run disposal regularly even if not used 🔄

🧼 Countertops & Cabinets

• Use appropriate cleaners for your countertop material 🧴
• Tighten loose cabinet hardware 🔧
• Check under sink for leaks regularly 💧
• Treat wood cabinets with appropriate polish 🪵

🛁 Bathroom Maintenance

Keep your bathroom fresh and prevent mold and mildew! 🚿

🌬️ Prevent Mold & Mildew

• Run exhaust fan during and 20 minutes after showers 💨
• Leave shower door/curtain open to air dry 🚿
• Squeegee shower walls after use 🧽
• Replace moldy caulk promptly 🔧
• Clean grout regularly 🧹

🚰 Fixtures

• Clean showerheads to remove mineral deposits (vinegar soak) 🧴
• Check for toilet leaks (add food coloring to tank) 🚽
• Replace worn faucet washers 🔧
• Keep drains clear of hair 🕸️
• Tighten loose toilet seats 🔩

🌀 Exhaust Fan

• Clean fan cover quarterly 🧹
• Vacuum dust from fan blades 🌪️
• Replace if making loud noises 🔊
• Ensure it vents outside (not into attic) 🏠

🏠 Flooring Care

Protect your floors to keep them looking great! 🧹

🟫 Carpets

• Vacuum regularly (at least weekly) 🧽
• Professional deep cleaning annually 🧼
• Address stains immediately 🚨
• Use entry mats to reduce dirt 🚪
• Rotate furniture to prevent wear patterns 🛋️

🪵 Hard Flooring (Wood, Laminate, Tile)

• Sweep or vacuum regularly 🧹
• Use appropriate cleaners for your floor type 🧴
• Avoid excess water on wood floors 💧
• Use furniture pads to prevent scratches 🪑
• Clean spills immediately ⚡

🚪 Windows & Doors

Keep windows and doors operating smoothly and energy-efficient! 🪟

🪟 Windows

• Clean windows inside and out seasonally 🧽
• Check and replace weather stripping 🌬️
• Lubricate sliding window tracks 🛢️
• Inspect screens for damage 🕸️
• Test locks and latches ✅

🚪 Doors

• Tighten loose hinges and hardware 🔧
• Check door sweeps and seals 🌬️
• Lubricate locks and deadbolts 🗝️
• Adjust door closers if installed ⚙️
• Check peephole for clarity 👁️

⚡ Electrical Safety

Stay safe with proper electrical maintenance! 🔌

🔌 Regular Checks

• Test GFCI outlets monthly (test/reset buttons) 🔘
• Check for warm outlets or switches (sign of problems) 🌡️
• Don't overload circuits or use too many power strips ⚠️
• Replace any damaged cords immediately 🔌

🔔 Smoke & CO Detectors

• Test monthly using the test button 🔘
• Replace batteries twice yearly (when clocks change) 🔋
• Replace entire units every 10 years 🕐
• Never disable detectors! 🚫

💡 Light Bulbs

• Use correct wattage for fixtures 💡
• Switch to LED bulbs for efficiency 🌟
• Turn off power before changing bulbs ⚡

🐛 Pest Prevention

Keep pests out with these prevention strategies! 🚫

🧹 Cleanliness is Key

• Keep kitchen clean, especially at night 🌙
• Store food in sealed containers 🫙
• Take out trash regularly 🗑️
• Don't leave dirty dishes overnight 🍽️
• Wipe down counters daily 🧽

🚫 Block Entry Points

• Seal cracks and openings around pipes 🔧
• Install door sweeps 🚪
• Caulk gaps around windows 🪟
• Keep screens in good repair 🕸️

🐜 If You See Pests

• Report to HOA management immediately 📞
• Don't wait - early intervention is easier ⏰
• Follow any treatment instructions from pest control 📋

📋 HOA vs. Owner Responsibility

Understanding who maintains what prevents confusion and delays! 🤝

🏘️ HOA Typically Maintains

• Building exterior and roof 🏢
• Common area hallways and elevators 🛗
• Pool, fitness center, and amenities 🏊
• Landscaping and grounds 🌳
• Parking structures 🅿️
• Main water/sewer lines 💧

🏠 Owner Responsible For

• Interior of unit (walls, floors, ceilings) 🏠
• All appliances 🧊
• Fixtures and finishes 🚿
• HVAC system within unit ❄️
• Plumbing and electrical within unit 🔧
• Windows and doors (interior side) 🚪
• Patio/balcony surface 🪴

⚠️ Gray Areas

• Check your CC&Rs for specific details! 📋
• Water heater responsibility varies 💧
• Window replacement rules differ 🪟
• When in doubt, contact management 📞

🚨 Emergency Preparedness

Be ready for emergencies with these preparations! 🆘

🔧 Know How To

• Shut off water main to your unit 💧
• Turn off gas (if applicable) 🔥
• Reset circuit breakers ⚡
• Locate emergency exits 🚪
• Use fire extinguisher 🧯

📞 Emergency Contacts

• Property management (business and after-hours) 📱
• 911 for emergencies 🚨
• Utility companies 💡
• Preferred contractors (plumber, electrician) 🔧
• Insurance company ☂️

🧰 Keep On Hand

• Plunger and drain snake 🚽
• Basic tool kit (screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.) 🔧
• Fire extinguisher (check expiration) 🧯
• Flashlight and extra batteries 🔦
• First aid kit 🏥
• Emergency water and non-perishable food 🥫

📋 Document Your Unit

• Take photos of unit condition 📸
• Keep receipts for major repairs/improvements 🧾
• Document serial numbers of appliances 🔢
• Update home insurance as needed 📄