Test smoke & CO alarms
Smoke & CO alarms
Working alarms are the single biggest factor in surviving a house fire.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $30
- Time
- 15 min
A dead alarm offers zero warning when it matters most.
How & when to do itMulti-family home maintenance checklist
More systems, more tenants, more reasons to stay ahead of repairs. This checklist focuses on the 47 maintenance tasks that actually fall to you as the owner of a multi-family home — sorted into what's critical, what saves money, and what's optional.
Start here — critical safety items
Test the sump pump
Sump pump
Pour a bucket of water in the pit and confirm it kicks on. Simple and vital.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 15 min
A dead pump during a storm means a flooded basement overnight.
How & when to do itClean the dryer vent duct
Dryer vent
Lint is highly flammable and builds up where you can't see it.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $150
- Time
- 45 min
Clogged dryer vents cause thousands of house fires every year.
How & when to do itTest the water heater TPR valve
Water heater
The temperature & pressure-relief valve is a safety device that prevents the tank from over-pressurizing.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $25
- Time
- 15 min
A stuck TPR valve turns a water heater into a dangerous pressure vessel.
How & when to do itCritical
When a pipe bursts, every minute counts. Know where the valve is before you need it.
- How often
- Every 2 yr
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 15 min
Thousands in water damage while you search for the shutoff during a flood.
How & when to do itThe full checklist
Test smoke & CO alarms
Smoke & CO alarms
Working alarms are the single biggest factor in surviving a house fire.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $30
- Time
- 15 min
A dead alarm offers zero warning when it matters most.
How & when to do itTest the sump pump
Sump pump
Pour a bucket of water in the pit and confirm it kicks on. Simple and vital.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 15 min
A dead pump during a storm means a flooded basement overnight.
How & when to do itClean the dryer vent duct
Dryer vent
Lint is highly flammable and builds up where you can't see it.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $150
- Time
- 45 min
Clogged dryer vents cause thousands of house fires every year.
How & when to do itTest the water heater TPR valve
Water heater
The temperature & pressure-relief valve is a safety device that prevents the tank from over-pressurizing.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $25
- Time
- 15 min
A stuck TPR valve turns a water heater into a dangerous pressure vessel.
How & when to do itCritical
When a pipe bursts, every minute counts. Know where the valve is before you need it.
- How often
- Every 2 yr
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 15 min
Thousands in water damage while you search for the shutoff during a flood.
How & when to do itReplace HVAC air filter
Heating & cooling (HVAC)
A clogged filter makes your system work harder, raising bills and shortening its life.
- How often
- Every 3 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- $10–$30
- Time
- 10 min
Frozen coils or a burned-out blower motor — a $1,500+ repair.
How & when to do itTest GFCI outlets
Electrical
GFCI outlets near water protect you from shock — but they wear out silently.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $25
- Time
- 15 min
A failed GFCI removes shock protection in kitchens and bathrooms.
How & when to do itClean gutters & downspouts
Roof & gutters
Clogged gutters send water into your foundation, fascia, and basement.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $200
- Time
- 1.5 hr
Foundation cracks and basement flooding — repairs run into the thousands.
How & when to do itClear the HVAC condensate drain line
Heating & cooling (HVAC)
Your AC pulls humidity from the air and drains it away; algae and sludge clog that line over time.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $20
- Time
- 20 min
A backed-up drain overflows the pan and leaks water into ceilings and walls.
How & when to do itCheck toilets for silent leaks
Plumbing
A few drops of food coloring in the tank reveal a leaking flapper that quietly wastes water.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $20
- Time
- 15 min
A silent toilet leak can waste hundreds of gallons a day and inflate your water bill.
How & when to do itProfessional HVAC tune-up
Heating & cooling (HVAC)
An annual tune-up catches small failures before peak summer/winter load.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- Hire a pro
- Cost
- $80–$200
- Time
- 1.5 hr
A mid-heatwave breakdown when every tech is booked.
How & when to do itFlush sediment from water heater
Water heater
Sediment buildup wastes energy and corrodes the tank from the inside.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $150
- Time
- 45 min
A ruptured tank that floods the floor — and a surprise $1,200 replacement.
How & when to do itMoney-saving
Rubber supply hoses are a top cause of catastrophic indoor flooding.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $40
- Time
- 20 min
A burst hose can dump 600+ gallons an hour into your home.
How & when to do itVisual roof inspection
Roof & gutters
Spotting a few lifted shingles early prevents slow, hidden leaks.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $250
- Time
- 30 min
A small leak can rot the deck and ruin insulation before you ever see a stain.
How & when to do itTest well water quality
Well water
Annual tests catch bacteria, nitrates, and changes you can't taste.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- $20–$150
- Time
- 30 min
Contaminated water can go unnoticed until someone gets sick.
How & when to do itVacuum refrigerator condenser coils
Major appliances
Dusty coils make the fridge run hot and die years early.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $20
- Time
- 20 min
Premature compressor failure — and spoiled groceries.
How & when to do itWinterize / blow out irrigation lines
Lawn & irrigation
Water left in lines freezes, expands, and cracks pipes and valves.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $120
- Time
- 1 hr
Burst irrigation lines and a spring full of repairs.
How & when to do itPhoto-document your belongings for insurance
Home inventory
A simple photo walkthrough makes insurance claims far easier after a loss.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 1 hr
Without proof, claims get denied or shortchanged.
How & when to do itClean the AC condenser coils
Heating & cooling (HVAC)
Dirty outdoor coils can't shed heat, so the system runs longer and works harder to cool.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $100
- Time
- 45 min
Reduced efficiency, higher bills, and early compressor wear in peak heat.
How & when to do itCheck your home's water pressure
Plumbing
A cheap gauge on a hose bib tells you if pressure is in the safe 40–60 psi range.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- $10–$15
- Time
- 15 min
Excessive pressure stresses every pipe, fitting, and appliance until something bursts.
How & when to do itInspect outlets and cords for damage
Electrical
Warm outlets, scorch marks, and frayed cords are early warnings of a fire hazard.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $25
- Time
- 30 min
Damaged outlets and cords are a leading ignition source for electrical fires.
How & when to do itInspect roof flashing and seals
Roof & gutters
Flashing around chimneys, vents, and valleys is where most roof leaks actually start.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $200
- Time
- 30 min
Failed flashing leaks water into the attic long before shingles look worn.
How & when to do itDeep-clean the dryer lint trap housing
Dryer vent
Lint slips past the screen and builds up in the housing your screen sits in, restricting airflow.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 20 min
Hidden lint buildup is both a fire risk and the reason loads take two cycles to dry.
How & when to do itTest the sump pump backup battery
Sump pump
Storms that flood basements often knock out power too; a backup battery keeps the pump running.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $200
- Time
- 30 min
A power outage during a storm leaves the main pump dead exactly when you need it.
How & when to do itClean the septic effluent filter
Septic system
The effluent filter catches solids before they reach the drain field; it clogs and needs cleaning.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $100
- Time
- 30 min
A clogged filter causes backups into the house and stresses the drain field.
How & when to do itCheck the well pressure tank
Well water
A waterlogged pressure tank makes the pump cycle constantly, wearing it out fast.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $100
- Time
- 30 min
Short-cycling burns out an expensive well pump years before its time.
How & when to do itTest the garage door balance
Garage door
A balanced door stays put halfway open; if it slams down, the springs are failing.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 10 min
An unbalanced door overloads the opener and can drop unexpectedly.
How & when to do itTest the irrigation backflow preventer
Lawn & irrigation
The backflow preventer keeps irrigation water from siphoning back into your drinking supply.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- Up to $100
- Time
- 30 min
A failed preventer can contaminate household water; many areas require testing.
How & when to do itReplace worn weatherstripping
Exterior & siding
Fresh weatherstripping around doors and windows stops drafts and lowers heating and cooling bills.
- How often
- Every 2 yr
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- $10–$40
- Time
- 1 hr
Worn seals leak conditioned air all year, quietly raising every energy bill.
How & when to do itPump the septic tank
Septic system
Routine pumping prevents backups and protects the drain field.
- How often
- Every 3 yr
- Who
- Hire a pro
- Cost
- $300–$600
- Time
- 2 hr
A failed drain field is a $10,000+ replacement.
How & when to do itCheck the water heater anode rod
Water heater
The sacrificial anode rod corrodes so the tank doesn't; replacing a spent rod can double tank life.
- How often
- Every 3 yr
- Who
- DIY or pro
- Cost
- $20–$60
- Time
- 45 min
Once the rod is gone, the tank rusts from the inside and fails years early.
How & when to do itReplace alarms older than 10 years
Smoke & CO alarms
Sensors degrade; manufacturers rate alarms for about 10 years.
- How often
- Every 10 yr
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- $20–$60
- Time
- 30 min
An expired sensor may not trigger even when it appears to work.
How & when to do itClean the dishwasher filter
Major appliances
A clean filter means cleaner dishes and no funky smell.
- How often
- Every 3 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 10 min
Poor drainage and a shortened appliance life.
How & when to do itClean the range hood grease filter
Major appliances
A degreased filter lets the hood actually vent smoke, steam, and cooking grease.
- How often
- Every 3 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $20
- Time
- 15 min
A grease-clogged filter is a kitchen fire risk and leaves the hood useless.
How & when to do itOptional
Clearing slow drains with hot water and a safe cleaner keeps small clogs from becoming blockages.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $15
- Time
- 20 min
A neglected slow drain becomes a full backup that needs an emergency plumber.
How & when to do itLubricate garage door springs and rollers
Garage door
A few minutes with the right lubricant keeps the door quiet and the hardware from wearing out.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- $5–$15
- Time
- 20 min
Dry, neglected hardware fails early and strains the opener motor.
How & when to do itReplace the refrigerator water filter
Major appliances
A fresh filter keeps drinking water and ice clean and protects the dispenser system.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- $20–$60
- Time
- 10 min
An old filter stops filtering and can harbor bacteria and bad taste.
How & when to do itCheck soil grading slopes away from foundation
Exterior & siding
Ground should slope away from the house so rain doesn't pool at the foundation.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $100
- Time
- 30 min
Water pooling at the foundation is a top cause of basement leaks.
How & when to do itTest garage door auto-reverse & sensors
Garage door
The auto-reverse safety feature protects kids and pets.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 10 min
A failed sensor turns a heavy door into a hazard.
How & when to do itWash siding and exterior surfaces
Exterior & siding
Removing dirt, mildew, and algae protects finishes and keeps siding from degrading early.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $150
- Time
- 2 hr
Built-up grime and mildew shorten the life of paint and siding.
How & when to do itSpring start-up and sprinkler head check
Lawn & irrigation
Slowly recharging the system and checking each head catches winter damage and misaligned spray.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $80
- Time
- 1 hr
Broken heads waste water and leave dry or flooded spots all season.
How & when to do itRe-caulk windows, doors & trim
Exterior & siding
Fresh caulk keeps water and pests out and cuts drafts.
- How often
- Every 2 yr
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- $15–$60
- Time
- 2 hr
Water intrusion behind siding leads to rot and mold.
How & when to do itSet water heater temperature to 120°F
Water heater
120°F is hot enough for comfort and safety while saving energy and preventing scalding.
- How often
- Every 2 yr
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 10 min
Higher settings waste energy and risk scald burns, especially for kids.
How & when to do itExtend downspouts away from the foundation
Roof & gutters
Downspouts should dump water at least several feet from the house, not at the foundation.
- How often
- Every 2 yr
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- $10–$50
- Time
- 30 min
Water pooling at the base of the home is a top cause of basement leaks and settling.
How & when to do itSeal and inspect the deck
Exterior & siding
Sealing protects deck wood from moisture, UV, and rot, and inspection catches loose boards and fasteners.
- How often
- Every 2 yr
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- $30–$100
- Time
- 4 hr
An unsealed deck rots and can become a structural and safety hazard.
How & when to do itHave the electrical panel inspected
Electrical
Older panels and aluminum wiring are known fire risks worth a pro's eyes.
- How often
- Every 5 yr
- Who
- Hire a pro
- Cost
- $100–$300
- Time
- 1 hr
Undetected wiring faults are a leading cause of house fires.
How & when to do itInstall whole-home surge protection
Electrical
A panel-mounted surge protector shields every device in the home from voltage spikes.
- How often
- Every 10 yr
- Who
- Hire a pro
- Cost
- $200–$400
- Time
- 2 hr
One storm surge can fry electronics, appliances, and HVAC boards at once.
How & when to do itFrequently asked questions
What maintenance am I responsible for in a multi-family home?+
As the owner you maintain the systems inside (and, depending on your setup, around) your unit: test smoke & co alarms, test the sump pump, clean the dryer vent duct, test the water heater tpr valve, and more. More systems, more tenants, more reasons to stay ahead of repairs.
How much does multi-family home maintenance cost per year?+
Most routine home maintenance is inexpensive when you stay ahead of it — many tasks are free or under $50. The expensive bills come from deferring the small stuff. Build your personalized manual to see real cost ranges for your home.