apartment maintenance checklist
General Maintenance
- Remove smoke detector cover
- Check battery compartment for any corrosion or damage
- Replace batteries with new ones if necessary
- Put the cover back on
- Remove vent covers
- Inspect vents for any dirt or debris
- Clean vents using a vacuum or brush
- Replace air filters if dirty or clogged
- Put vent covers back on
- Locate the circuit breaker panel
- Check if any breakers are tripped (switched to the off position)
- To reset a tripped breaker, switch it off and then back on
- Test the circuit by turning on the corresponding lights or appliances
- Apply a small amount of lubricant to door hinges
- Open and close the door a few times to distribute the lubricant
- Apply a small amount of lubricant to locks
- Insert and remove the key a few times to distribute the lubricant
- Check all light fixtures for burnt-out bulbs
- Remove the burnt-out bulb
- Replace it with a new one of the same wattage and type
- Inspect all visible pipes under sinks and in bathrooms
- Look for any signs of leaks, such as water stains or drips
- If a leak is found, tighten or replace the affected pipe or faucet
- Remove any dirt or debris from window sills
- Clean windows using a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth
- Wipe down window sills with a damp cloth
- Dry windows and sills with a clean, dry cloth
- Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly to remove dirt and debris
- If needed, spot clean any stains using a carpet cleaner
- Consider deep cleaning carpets using a carpet shampooer or hiring a professional
- Inspect common areas for any dirt, debris, or damage
- Remove any trash or litter
- Clean surfaces, such as handrails or lobby furniture, using appropriate cleaning supplies
- Sweep or vacuum floors
- Mop floors using a suitable cleaner
Kitchen
- Remove all items from pantry, cabinets, and drawers
- Wipe down shelves and surfaces with a damp cloth
- Throw away expired or unused items
- Organize items by category and put them back in their respective places
- Unplug the refrigerator from the power source
- Locate the coils at the back or bottom of the fridge
- Use a vacuum or coil brush to remove dust and debris
- Plug the refrigerator back in
- Turn on the oven and stovetop to check if they are working properly
- Wipe down the oven and stovetop surfaces with a non-abrasive cleaner
- Clean the range hood using a degreaser and a damp cloth
- Empty the dishwasher and remove any food debris from the bottom
- Inspect and clean the filters according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Wipe down the interior and exterior of the dishwasher with a sponge or cloth
- Turn off the power to the garbage disposal
- Use tongs or pliers to remove any visible debris
- Pour a mixture of ice cubes and vinegar down the disposal
- Turn the power back on and run cold water to flush it
- Fill the kettle or coffee maker with equal parts water and white vinegar
- Run a full cycle without any coffee or tea
- Empty the mixture and rinse the kettle or coffee maker thoroughly
- Remove any dishes or items from the sink
- Scrub the sink with a mild cleaner and a sponge
- Clean the faucet with a cloth and a mixture of water and dish soap
- Rinse the sink and faucet with warm water
Bathroom
- Inspect showerhead for any mineral deposits
- Remove any mineral deposits using a descaling solution or vinegar
- Rinse showerhead thoroughly
- Inspect caulking and grouting for any cracks or gaps
- Remove old caulking or grouting if necessary
- Apply new caulk or grout to fill any gaps or cracks
- Check drains for any clogs or blockages
- Use a plunger or drain snake to unclog drains
- Clean drains using a drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar
- Check toilet bowl for any stains or buildup
- Clean toilet bowl using a toilet cleaner and brush
- Inspect flushing mechanism for any issues
- Repair or replace any faulty parts if necessary
- Turn on exhaust fan to ensure it is working properly
- Clean exhaust fan by removing the cover and wiping it clean
- Remove any dust or debris from the fan blades
- Empty cabinets and vanity
- Wipe down shelves and surfaces
- Organize items and discard any expired or unused products
- Inspect mirrors for any smudges or streaks
- Clean mirrors using a glass cleaner and lint-free cloth
- Polish mirrors to remove any remaining streaks
Bedroom and Living Areas
- Use a microfiber cloth to dust all furniture surfaces, including tables, shelves, and dressers.
- Wipe down furniture with a mild cleaning solution and a damp cloth to remove any dirt or stains.
- Use a step ladder and a damp cloth to clean the blades of the ceiling fan, removing any dust or dirt.
- Rotate the direction of the ceiling fan blades clockwise or counterclockwise according to the season.
- Turn on the air conditioning or heating units to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Clean the filters of the units by removing them, rinsing with water, and allowing them to dry before reinstalling.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or dust from the floors, paying attention to corners and edges.
- Mop the floors using a suitable cleaning solution and a mop, starting from one end of the room and working towards the other.
- Inspect blinds or curtains for any visible dirt or stains.
- Use a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean the blinds or curtains, removing any dust or debris.
- Turn off the power to the light fixtures before inspecting and cleaning them.
- Remove any light covers or shades and clean them with a mild cleaning solution and a cloth.
- Remove all items from the closets and storage areas, sorting them into keep, donate, and discard piles.
- Wipe down the shelves, rods, and any other surfaces in the closets and storage areas before organizing the items back in.
Exterior and Outdoor Spaces
- Remove any debris or leaves from the balcony or patio
- Inspect for any damages or cracks and report them to maintenance
- Wipe down or hose off the balcony or patio to remove dirt or stains
- Inspect each outdoor lighting fixture for any damages or burnt-out bulbs
- Clean the fixtures by wiping them down with a damp cloth
- Replace any burnt-out bulbs with new ones
- Trim any overgrown branches or leaves from plants or bushes near the entrance
- Dispose of the trimmings properly
- Ensure plants or bushes do not obstruct pathways or doorways
- Inspect gutters and downspouts for any clogs or debris
- Remove any leaves or debris from gutters and downspouts
- Ensure gutters and downspouts are securely attached
- Sweep or mop the entryway or hallway to remove dirt, dust, or debris
- Pay extra attention to corners and edges
- Dispose of any collected dirt or debris properly
- Inspect each mailbox for any damages or signs of tampering
- Clean the mailboxes by wiping them down with a damp cloth
- Report any damages or issues to the property manager
- Inspect the welcome mat or doormat for any signs of wear or damage
- Replace the mat if it is worn out or damaged
- Clean the mat by shaking off dirt or debris regularly
Security and Safety
- Remove old batteries from door locks or keypads.
- Insert new batteries into door locks or keypads.
- Test the functionality of the door locks or keypads.
- Open the carbon monoxide detector casing.
- Remove the old batteries from the carbon monoxide detector.
- Insert new batteries into the carbon monoxide detector.
- Close the carbon monoxide detector casing.
- Check the pressure gauge on the fire extinguisher.
- Ensure the pin is intact and in place.
- Inspect the fire extinguisher for any damage or corrosion.
- Test the fire extinguisher by discharging a short burst.
- Retrieve the current emergency evacuation plan.
- Review the plan thoroughly.
- Make any necessary updates or changes to the plan.
- Ensure all occupants of the apartment are aware of the updated plan.
- Check all windows and doors for any loose or broken locks.
- Tighten or repair any loose or broken locks.
- Ensure all windows and doors can be securely locked.
- Inspect all security cameras and alarms for any visible damage or malfunctions.
- Repair or replace any damaged or malfunctioning security cameras or alarms.
- Test the functionality of the repaired or replaced security cameras or alarms.
Use in Manifestly