Simple Steps to Keep Your Home Safe, Clean & Well-Maintained

Taking a few simple steps each day can help prevent maintenance problems and keep your home comfortable. Please review these helpful tips:

🚰 Prevent Plumbing Problems

• Do not pour grease, oil, coffee grounds, or food scraps down the sink.
• Use a sink strainer to keep food and debris out of your drains.
• Only flush toilet paper down the toilet. Do not flush wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or other items.
• Report leaking faucets, running toilets, or slow drains as soon as possible.
• Do not use chemical drain cleaners unless instructed by Maintenance.

🗑️ Keep Your Home & Community Clean

• Take trash to the designated disposal area regularly.
• Do not leave trash bags outside your door, in hallways, or on balconies.
• Keep hallways, stairwells, and building entrances free of personal belongings.
• Break down cardboard boxes before placing them in the appropriate recycling or trash area.

🐜 Help Prevent Unwanted Pests

• Store food in sealed containers.
• Clean up crumbs and spills promptly.
• Take out garbage regularly.
• Report signs of roaches, mice, or other pests promptly. Early reporting can help prevent the problem from spreading.

💧 Prevent Water Damage

• Check under sinks periodically for leaks or moisture.
• Report water stains, dripping ceilings, or wet areas immediately.
• Do not ignore a small leak as it can become a major repair.
• Keep bathroom areas as dry as possible after bathing or showering.
• Use exhaust fans when available.

🚿 Prevent Mold & Moisture

• Black, green, gray, or other unusual spots or discoloration on walls, ceilings, floors, or other surfaces
• A musty or unusual odor
• Water stains or discoloration
• Peeling, bubbling, or damaged paint
• Visible moisture or water leaks
• Excessive condensation around windows or other areas
• Damp or wet areas that do not dry properly

🌡️ Protect Your Heating & Air Conditioning

• Keep furniture, boxes, and other items away from vents and radiators.
• Do not block HVAC registers.
• Keep air returns clear of furniture and other obstructions.
• Report unusual noises, odors, or temperature problems to Maintenance.
• Do not attempt to repair HVAC equipment yourself.

🔥 Keep Smoke Detectors Working

• Never disconnect, cover, or remove a smoke detector.
• Report a missing, damaged, or malfunctioning smoke detector immediately.
• Never remove batteries unless you are replacing them.

🔌 Use Electrical Outlets Safely

• Do not overload electrical outlets or power strips.
• Do not use damaged electrical cords.
• Keep electrical appliances away from water.
• Report outlets that are hot, sparking, loose, or not working properly.
• Never attempt electrical repairs yourself.

⭐ Maintenance Tip of the Month

“If you notice it, report it!”

Reporting maintenance concerns early can help prevent additional damage, reduce repair costs, and keep your home and community safe.