Summer Maintenance Tips for Renters in Philadelphia
Stay Cool, Safe, and Prepared
Summer in Philadelphia means rooftop season, longer days, and more time spent enjoying the parks and everything the city has to offer. But it also brings heat, humidity, and a few risks to be aware of in your apartment. Whether you're new to one of our managed units or a long-time resident, these summer maintenance tips for renters will help you keep your home in great shape all season long.
1. Stay Ahead of A/C Issues
Nothing is worse than a broken air conditioner on an extremely hot summer day. If your A/C isn’t working properly, submit a maintenance request as soon possible, we have a 24/7 emergency maintenance line. If your apartment has a filter-based HVAC system and you are responsible for changing the filter, make sure you swap it out every 3 months. These details will be outlined in your lease.
Here are some simple tips that can help you keep your space cooler and save on energy costs:
- Close the blinds during the hottest time of the day or when you leave the house to keep it cool
- Keep your air conditioning on “auto” rather than turning it off and on when you leave and return home
- If you have ceiling fans, set them to run counterclockwise to circulate air
2. Check for Moisture and Leaks
Summer storms in Philly can lead to unexpected leaks. Keep an eye out for:

- Water near windows, ceilings, and under sinks
- Signs of mold or damp odor
If you notice anything unusual, submit a maintenance request right away. Even minor leaks can cause long-term damage.
3. Practice Pest Prevention
Warmer weather brings out the creepy crawlers! Keep bugs and rodents away by:
- Sealing up food tightly
- Make sure to take your trash out, if you are leaving outside, make sure it is secured or in a covered trash can
Reporting any sightings to management ASAP
4. Grilling Safety
If you have access to a private, ground-level outdoor area, you're welcome to use a grill! All other renters who live in homes managed by PhillyLiving Management Group are prohibited from having grills on balconies and roofdecks.
For ground-level renters, please follow these important safety guidelines:
- Keep grills at least
3 feet away from the building to prevent fire hazards
- Use grills
responsibly and never leave them unattended
- Always
clean your grill after use to avoid attracting rodents or pests
- Get renters insurance—it’s strongly recommended and protects your belongings in case of fire or other accidents
5. Private Yards
If your home has private yard or outdoor space, it's your responsibility as the tenant to keep it clean, weeded, and well-maintained throughout your lease. However, if you live in a building with a shared yard, our team or the property owner will handle routine upkeep and landscaping so you can enjoy the space without the added responsibility.
