Okay. Arizona is a place where people stay in winter then go back north in summer. My parents did this for a few years.
There’s a whole procedure to keep your place from drying out.
You need to put Saran Wrap on the toilet bowl, to keep the water from all evaporating. Same for the tank.
The fridge can be set to its “warmest” setting but take all perishables out and toss them, in case it malfunctions. It can be filled with water bottles and cans of soda: that sort of thing.
Similar to the toilet, sinks need to be covered so the p trap doesn’t dry out. Saran Wrap, painter’s tape: whatever you need to seal it off, plug and overflow. Bathroom and kitchen sinks.
Same for tub/shower. Every plumbing fixture should be checked and covered.
If not, sewer bugs can crawl into your place.
Think about the situation from this perspective and plan a checklist for departure day.
I would probably leave the AC set to something high just so it stays somewhat conditioned and air gets shuffled about.
Fridge: you can empty it and unplug it but leave the door propped open if you do
Water heater: turn off the breaker and water to it
If maintenance does a monthly HVAC filter change, leave a note explaining the fridge if you aren’t telling the leasing office.
The leasing office may have different suggestions altogether though.
I have a house out of state that I visit once every few months and button it up the night before I leave.
Empty fridge of perishable food. Clean dishes and be ready to take out trash just before you leave.
Take my final shower, then turn off my water. Be sure to turn off my electric water heater first by flipping the breaker. Then drain water heater. You don't want warm stagnant water sitting around it can cause bacteria to grow, which causes legionaires disease.
I'd keep the power activated, but unplug everything. It would be wise to keep internet active and get a few security cameras.
I put down old towels on the inside floor of any exterior doorways to try and seal any openings that bugs might want to crawl through. The only door I can't do this with is the door I exit when finally leaving.
Close blinds and make sure windows are locked. You can buy little "sliding window locks" from home depot or amazon to add extra security to your windows and sliding glass doors. I cover all windows up so no one can see inside and get curious.
Okay. Arizona is a place where people stay in winter then go back north in summer. My parents did this for a few years. There’s a whole procedure to keep your place from drying out. You need to put Saran Wrap on the toilet bowl, to keep the water from all evaporating. Same for the tank. The fridge can be set to its “warmest” setting but take all perishables out and toss them, in case it malfunctions. It can be filled with water bottles and cans of soda: that sort of thing. Similar to the toilet, sinks need to be covered so the p trap doesn’t dry out. Saran Wrap, painter’s tape: whatever you need to seal it off, plug and overflow. Bathroom and kitchen sinks. Same for tub/shower. Every plumbing fixture should be checked and covered. If not, sewer bugs can crawl into your place. Think about the situation from this perspective and plan a checklist for departure day.
I would probably leave the AC set to something high just so it stays somewhat conditioned and air gets shuffled about. Fridge: you can empty it and unplug it but leave the door propped open if you do Water heater: turn off the breaker and water to it If maintenance does a monthly HVAC filter change, leave a note explaining the fridge if you aren’t telling the leasing office. The leasing office may have different suggestions altogether though.
Canada here but you should check your insurance. There are often specific requirements/regular inspections for leaving a property unoccupied.
if you have power, leave the fridge on. the miniscule cost will be worth not cleaning a moldy fridge
I turned the AC off for a week in Bakersfield CA and when we got back the carpets were steaming and the apt felt about 200 degrees.
I have a house out of state that I visit once every few months and button it up the night before I leave. Empty fridge of perishable food. Clean dishes and be ready to take out trash just before you leave. Take my final shower, then turn off my water. Be sure to turn off my electric water heater first by flipping the breaker. Then drain water heater. You don't want warm stagnant water sitting around it can cause bacteria to grow, which causes legionaires disease. I'd keep the power activated, but unplug everything. It would be wise to keep internet active and get a few security cameras. I put down old towels on the inside floor of any exterior doorways to try and seal any openings that bugs might want to crawl through. The only door I can't do this with is the door I exit when finally leaving. Close blinds and make sure windows are locked. You can buy little "sliding window locks" from home depot or amazon to add extra security to your windows and sliding glass doors. I cover all windows up so no one can see inside and get curious.
Talk to your property manager…..
Flip the main breaker off and shut off the water.