Zerric DotcomLicense ID:300717
Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
Print this. Hang it on your fridge. Save yourself headaches (and your security deposit).
I put this checklist together because a little prevention goes a long way. Your landlord should handle major repairs, but these simple tasks will protect your deposit and keep your home comfortable all year long.
Fall / Winter
Protect against cold weather and heating costs.
- 🔥 Swap furnace filter (every 1-3 months)
- 🚪 Seal drafty windows with weatherstripping
- 🔔 Test smoke & CO detectors (monthly — Louisville Fire & Rescue recommends this!)
- 💧 Locate water shut-off valve (burst pipes = #1 winter disaster)
- 🍂 Clear gutters if you have a yard (prevents ice dams)
- 🧹 Clean or replace furnace humidifier filter
- 🚰 Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off exterior water valves
Pro tip: If you lose heat, report it immediately. Landlords are legally required to provide heat from Oct 1 – May 1.
Spring / Summer
Beat the heat and prevent costly AC repairs.
- ❄️ Check/change A/C filter (or have landlord do it)
- 🔥 Clean dryer vents (lint buildup is a major fire hazard)
- 🔍 Inspect windows and doors for gaps (keep cool air in)
- 🔔 Test smoke & CO detectors again (do this twice a year)
- 💦 Check for water leaks or winter damage
- 🌿 Trim bushes or trees near the house (prevents pest access)
- 🧼 Clean out gutters from spring debris
Pro tip: If your A/C isn't keeping up, let your landlord know early — before the summer heatwave hits.
Bonus: Year-Round Renters' Tips
- Document everything. Take photos and videos when you move in. Save them somewhere safe.
- Put requests in writing. If something breaks, send your landlord an email or text. Keep records.
- Know who to call. Save your landlord's emergency number, plus 311 for Louisville Metro Codes.
- Don't DIY major repairs. That's your landlord's job. If you mess it up, it comes out of your deposit.
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Zerric Dotcom
Agent License ID: 300717