Home Maintenance Checklist: Prevent Losses and Protect Your Insurance Claim

By Homeland Public Adjusters
Licensed public adjusters serving Florida & New Jersey

Home maintenance checklist by month, every 6 months and every year

Short answer: a little maintenance on a schedule prevents many water, fire and roof losses, and dated photos of that maintenance make a real claim harder to deny. Homeowners policies cover sudden, accidental damage; they generally exclude wear and tear, deterioration and damage from neglect. Your maintenance record is how you show the difference.

Every month

• Test smoke alarms. The National Fire Protection Association recommends testing them at least once a month.
• Look for slow leaks under sinks, around toilets, behind the washer and around the water heater and AC air handler.
• Check the AC condensate drain line and pan; a clogged line is a common cause of ceiling water damage in Florida.

Every six months

• Change smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries (unless they are sealed 10-year units).
• Drain or flush the water heater to clear sediment, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Clear gutters and downspouts so water runs away from the roof edge and the foundation.
• Photograph the roof, ceilings, attic and the outside of the home. Dated photos are your before picture if a storm hits.

Every year

• Clean the dryer vent and duct, not just the lint screen. See Dryer Fire Insurance Claims.
• Have the roof inspected, especially before hurricane season and after any major storm.
• Check washer supply hoses for bulges or cracks; consider replacing hoses over five years old, or switching to braided steel.
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old, as NFPA recommends.
• In New Jersey, before winter: insulate exposed pipes, know where your main water shutoff is, and keep the heat on when you travel. See Ice Dams, Frozen Pipes and Snow Load.

Why maintenance matters on a claim

When a claim comes in, the adjuster for the insurance company looks for reasons the damage might not be covered: long-term leaks, rot, worn-out roofing, a water heater past its life. Some policies also limit water damage that happened over weeks or months (see Florida’s $10,000 water damage sublimit). A dated maintenance record helps show that the damage was sudden and that you took care of the home.

The free Adjuster Advantage app has a Home Maintenance tool that reminds you of these tasks and saves dated photos of each one, along with your home inventory and policy.

If something already went wrong

Stop the source if you safely can (shut off the water, for example), photograph everything before cleanup, and keep receipts for emergency repairs. Then call Homeland first. We review your policy, document the loss and handle the claim. See also The First 24 Hours After Property Damage.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: National Fire Protection Association, smoke alarm safety tips; USAA, home maintenance guide.

This checklist is general information, not professional advice for your home. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your equipment and use a licensed professional for roof, electrical, gas and plumbing work.

Still Have Questions About Your Property Insurance Claim?

Every loss and every claim has its own circumstances. Call us 24/7 to talk through yours, or request a free claim review.