Resident Maintenance Tips - T&H Realty Services (2024)

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Expand each section below for more information on how to troubleshoot and keep safe when dealing with maintenance issues.

Landscaping– Unless provided by the HOA, all Tenants are required to not only mow the grass, but also conduct regular trimming of all bushes and shrubs, pull weeds from all landscaped areas and rake leaves. We do not expect Tenants to trim trees, mulch, or fertilize the yard, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.
Pest Control– All of our homes should be delivered to the Tenant free of bugs and pests. If bugs and pests are reported during the first 7 days of your residency, we will take care of any required treatments. However, after the first 7 days, pest control is the Tenant’s responsibility. Most pests can be managed with inexpensive, over-the-counter products.
Clogged Drains/Toilets– The same, 7-day rule applies to any clogged drains or toilets. Most drain issues can be solved with a plunger or over-the-counter products as well. The exception to this rule includes main drain lines.
Light Bulbs/Batteries– All Tenants are required to replace any burned out light bulbs or batteries that may fail.
Water Softener Salt– If your property comes with a working water softener, you are required to provide the appropriate salt. Failure to do so could result in a charge against your Security Deposit if damage occurs.

Know where your main water shut-off valve is. The main shut off valve is generally located in the basem*nt. Shut-off locations, if not in the basem*nt, can be located in the utility room or closet, near the water heater or softener. It’s important to know where this valve is in case of a water line break.
Leave faucets on exterior walls (walls that are on the outside of the home) trickling on both hot and cold sides. For single handle faucets, open in the middle to provide a cold-hot mix. In some cases of very extreme temperatures (below zero) you will need to leave a pencil-sized stream running.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to fill the cabinet.
If you will be gone during cold weather for more than 24 hours, always ensure your thermostat is set to at least 60 degrees and turn off your water at the main shut-off and open your faucets to drain the water from the plumbing lines.
Where possible, leave all interior doors open and ensure all air vents are open.
For extra protection, install a space heater near any plumbing that may exist in the garage and ensure that your garage door is not left open for any extended period.
If you have an outside spigot, ensure that the water supply (if available) is turned off. Ensure that exterior faucets are not dripping and do not have a garden hose connected to them during coldweather.
Ensure all windows are shut tight and locked.

First, turn off the main water shut-off valve.
Next, open the water valves throughout the house to relieve pressure.
If you have an electric water heater, turn off the breaker to the water heater. If you have a gas water heater, turn down the valve on the water heater to the lowest temperature setting.
Finally, if possible, attempt to locate the frozen area in the pipe and provide temporary heating (hair dryer or electric space heater) to the frozen section of pipe. Do not use any open-flamed devices.