Home Maintenance Checklist: Responsibilities & Best Practices for Homeowners & Tenants

Who's Responsible? Home Maintenance Checklists for Property Managers, Tenants, and Homeowners

In 2022, Hippo, a leading home insurance group, conducted the Hippo Housepower Report, delving into the impact of economic changes on U.S. homeowners. Among the 1,000 participants, 78% regretted their home purchase in the last 12 months, with 47% attributing their disappointment to excessive maintenance. Alarmingly, 65% acknowledged that regular maintenance could have prevented their home issues.

Whether you're a landlord, property owner, tenant, or homeowner, home maintenance is a shared responsibility. A comprehensive home maintenance checklist serves as the guiding document to ensure the property remains a sound investment for years to come.

Why You Need a Home Maintenance Checklist

A home maintenance checklist holds you accountable for the tasks that safeguard the property's safety and comfort. Adhering to this checklist preserves the property's condition, efficiency, and, importantly, its market value. It lays the groundwork for clear communication, particularly when involving third parties like repair professionals for structural work or appliance repairs.

The Four Accomplishments of Continuous Maintenance

1. Prevents Costly Repairs: The 2022 Hippo Housepower Report revealed that homeowners spent an average of $6,000 on repairs. Regular maintenance, including cleaning appliances and routine checks of critical home systems, saves money by identifying potential issues before they escalate.

2. Enforces Safety and Compliance Measures: Checking locks, maintaining outdoor areas, and adhering to homeowners association (HOA) measures contribute to security and compliance. Regular upkeep of the property's exterior ensures alignment with compliance standards.

3. Enhances Quality of Life: Regular property maintenance ensures a comfortable living environment, allowing daily routines to remain uninterrupted. A well-maintained space contributes to the well-being of residents and visitors.

4. Adds Market Value: Curb appeal matters. The National Association of Realtors found that 97% of realtors believe it's a crucial factor. Regular lawn maintenance, fresh paint, and well-maintained driveways can enhance a property's market value.

Five Types of Home Maintenance Tasks

Home maintenance can be overwhelming, so categorizing tasks is crucial. Break down your household maintenance checklist into the following five categories to manage specific elements effectively:

1. Interior House Maintenance:

   • Daily upkeep such as dusting, sweeping, and mopping rooms and appliances, such as the refrigerator or ceiling fan.

   • Inspecting the dishwasher and washing machine for leaks or detergent buildup.

   • Clean all vents, including removing lint from the dryer vent and grime from the stove and hood vents. 

   • Clean dust behind large appliances.

   • Remove grout buildup from kitchen and bathroom tiles.

   • Checking plumbing for any leaks, clogs, or signs of water damage.

   • Cleaning kitchen and bathroom drains and shower heads. 

   • Checking that carbon monoxide detectors are active.

2. Exterior House Maintenance:

   • Observe the roof for any missing, worn, or damaged shingles.

   • Check gutters and clear them of any debris that could block water flow to the downspouts.

   • Seal and paint the siding to avoid mold and keep pests, like mice, termites, and cockroaches, out. 

   • Tend to any garden activities, such as weeding or trimming any foliage, and removing any branches. 

   • Inspect large door and window screens for holes or tears.

3. Seasonal House Maintenance:

   • Spring

     • Checkup on your air conditioning systems to ensure they’re working properly and are energy efficient. 

     • Check gutters for potential ice buildup or sag, alongside sidewalks for any cracks.

     • Touch up any cracked caulk to keep cold air in the property. 

     • Inspect the roof with binoculars for any snow or ice damage, then turn your attention to storm-window drains to ensure water flows out quickly to prevent puddling. 

     Summer

     • The warm air makes it ideal to pressure wash vinyl or fiber cement siding. 

     • Trim weeds from outdoor HVAC units, as they can affect energy efficiency.

     • Inspect any outdoor decks or balconies for any nails or areas that need a fresh coat of paint or sanding. 

     • Test the sprinkler system for any pipe or connection leaks. 

     Fall

     • Rake and remove leaves around the exterior of the home. 

     • Drain any hoses and turn off their water supply to prevent any frost. 

     • Check weather stripping to ensure cold drafts won’t come into the home. 

     • Inspect the fireplace and chimney, and HVAC system to ensure proper heat functionality. 

     • Clean gutters and roofs to remove debris that could trap water or snow in the winter. 

     Winter

     • Boost up the efficiency of your heating system by closing any foundation vents and checking for any drafts around the property (which you can apply caulk on to seal). 

     • Cover any outdoor HVAC units with a tarp or store portable air conditioning units indoors. 

     • If you have a sump pump in the basement, test it for leaks and check up on battery life. 

     • Keep an eye out for any ice dams that may form under the roof, and call a professional in to address if one forms.

4. Safety and Security Property Maintenance

   Safety and security is top of mind for many homeowners. 

   Safety and security maintenance tasks include:

   • Check all cameras for functionality (sensor accuracy, streaming, cleanliness, and battery life). 

   • Test any window and/or door locks and chains. 

   • Test the home alarm system and update the password or system. 

   • Keep the electrical box locked and observe any rust or damage.

5. Structural Property Maintenance

   Structural maintenance pays attention to the core integrity of the property, which includes inspecting the property’s foundation, roof, walls, framing, and other support systems. 

   Structural maintenance tasks include: 

   • Check for cracks larger than one-eighth of an inch along the driveway.

   • Inspect for any cracks, mold, etc. along baseboards, floors, walls, etc. 

   • Test functionality of the garage door. 

   • Touch up on any interior or exterior paint. 

   • Inspect exterior or interior staircases for broken edges, cracks, etc. 

Who Is Responsible for Home Maintenance?

Leasing contracts and HOA agreements typically outline responsibilities. Landlords are generally responsible for structural repairs, appliance maintenance, pest control, and landscaping. Tenants are responsible for routine cleaning, minor repairs, and immediate yard maintenance.

If you are the Homeowner, you own all of the maintenance.

Six Tips for Effective Home Maintenance

1. Create a Home Maintenance Schedule: Break down tasks by month and note seasonal requirements.

2. Inspect Regularly: Familiarity with appliances aids in early issue detection.

3. Address Plumbing Issues Promptly: Swift action can prevent extensive property damage.

4. Seal Windows and Doors: Essential for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

5. Keep Records of All Maintenance Services: Documentation is crucial for compliance, especially when selling or renting.

6. Set Aside a Budget for Home Maintenance: Allocate 1-4% of the property's value annually for repairs.

Maintaining a property is an art and science. A well-orchestrated home maintenance checklist, coupled with proactive measures, ensures a residence that stands the test of time.