The month of May is synonymous with the beginning of spring. It’s the ideal time for both landlords and tenants to inspect the general condition of the rental property. Many landlords would rather call for professional help to ensure
that their property is thoroughly cleaned. However, this is not a viable option for everyone, especially if you’re on a budget. Likewise, if you are the type of property owner who would rather clean your rental property on your own there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, by doing so, you’ll be able to save money and set your schedule depending on when it’s most convenient for you. A clean and well-maintained property is essential if you’re looking to attract high-quality tenants. That being said, here are some of the best spring cleaning tips for your rental property in Seattle.
6 Tips for Successful Spring Cleaning
Tip #1: General Cleanup
A lot of property owners in Seattle dread the winter months. No doubt about that, as it’s the time of year where general wear and tear on the landscaping happens. There is also debris accumulation that usually takes place in the gutter. In situations like this, hiring an expert is advised because they have the knowledge on how best to clean the property. They can also pinpoint the problems that happened during winter. However, if you’d rather do it yourself, we have some guidance for you.
You can start by clearing your property of the clutterthat’s piled-up over the past months. In fact, this is probably the most important thing that you can do! There’s a reason why it’s called spring cleaning.
One of the best ways to do that is by making three piles: trash, donate, and keep. As you come across items, put them in their respective piles. Then, put away the items in the keep pile and throw away the ones in the trash pile. As for the donate pile, it would come in handy if you have already prepared a box for it. As you separate these items, make sure the piles do not get too big as it would be harder for you to keep up if it does.
Tip #2: Garbage Disposal Cleaning
In rental properties, disposals usually need extra attention, especially if they already have an awful smell. This can easily be remedied by cutting up a lemon and grinding it up in your disposal. This would help in eliminating odors. You can also try adding some salt and ice cubesin order to clean up the leftover residue.
Tip #3: Have You Cleared Out the Gutters?
Clogged gutters are usually the cause of leakage and poor drainage. This could contribute to a number of problems, such as foundation issues and even basement flooding. You can easily save yourself from experiencing any of this by keeping the gutters clear of gunk. This would allow the rainwater to flow freely and be diverted away from the foundation. As you clean, try to inspect the gutters to see if there are holes, cracks, and other damages. If you find any, these should be repaired as soon as possible.
Tip #4: Make Sure That the Air Is Clean
If your rental property is located in Seattle, chances are, it has gotten a little musty because of winter. This also means now is the ideal time to turn on your dehumidifier or air filter. Don’t forget to open the windows as you ‘clean’ the air. This simple property maintenance will be greatly appreciated by your tenants.
Tip #5: The Furnace Air Filters Should Also be Cleaned and Replaced
Aside from cleaning the air you have to pay attention to the air filters. Make sure that there isn’t any dust accumulation, because if there is; then it might be time to replace your air filter. Dirty, clogged air filters not only degrade the air quality in your property, they also raise the cost of your energy bill. By periodically replacing your air filters you’ll ensure that your HVAC system is performing at maximum efficiency, allowing you to save on costly repairs in the future.
Tip #6: Spruce Up the Landscape
As you think about spring, the first thing that usually comes to mind are the ‘gardens’.If you’re looking to
attract new tenants to your rental property, the front yard is not a place to overlook. This will be prospective tenants’ first impression of your property, so you want to make sure it’s looking its best. Planting colorful flowers would make it look more inviting, but take extra care to ensure that you clear any bushes or trees as well.
Final Words
As the season of spring enters, take the opportunity to do a thorough spring cleaning.By maintaining your property, not only will it help you attract high quality tenants, it will also help keep future repair costs in check.By following these tips mentioned above you should be well on your way to a well-maintained property.