Property maintenance isn’t easy, as the list of to-dos is endless. And since no two properties are the same, your property maintenance plan needs to be tailor-made. To help you with that, we’ve put together a few of the things you need to include in your property maintenance strategy. Read this ultimate rental property maintenance guide and apply these strategies next time you think of your property maintenance.
Rental Property Maintenance Strategies
By following these strategies you can continue to rent out a well-managed property for years to come, and keep your tenants satisfied for longer.
#1 Water Leaks
The moment you discover a water leak, take action immediately. Water leaks can turn into costly repairs (repairs due to water damage can cost, on average, $2,582 according to HomeAdvisor) that can take weeks to deal with. For that reason, it’s crucial to check the “soft” spots on walls, floors, and roofs. Don’t forget to check the water pipe and water heater as these are prone to leaks, too. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t allow the water leak to be the cause of water damage as well as mold growth.
Waterproofing your basement is required as it comes with several benefits. Basement waterproofing protects your property and ensures that the basement stays as dry as possible. This prevents moisture and in turn, prevents pests like cockroaches.
It costs about $6,493 to waterproof a basement, so it’s best to partner with a professional property management firm. They have a vetted vendor network that can do the work at a cheaper rate that doesn’t compromise standards, of course.
#2 Pest Control
No one wants to live with unwelcome tenants that come in the form of creepy crawlies. Regularly inspect your property to check if any pests have moved in, and in the event that they have, get rid of them immediately; here’re four ways to prevent pests. Property management agents recommend inspecting the property for pests at least once a year. However, if your rental property is in an area that’s prone to infestations, it would be best to inspect the property twice a year.
A professional exterminator can inspect the property and pinpoint the spots the creepy crawlies penetrated. Signs of pest infestation are:
- Droppings
- Urine trails
- Signs of nesting
- Chewed-on furniture
- Openings in the walls
- Dried, dirty spots
- Musty odors
- Scratching sounds in the walls
- Marks and tracks on the walls
#3 Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Did you know that your tenant can sue you if your smoke detectors don’t work? That’s why it’s extremely important to inspect the smoke detector, carbon dioxide detector, etc. If they don’t work and there’s a fire, your tenants could meet their fatal end – and you’d find yourself in court soon after.
Be sure to check if the smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, etc. work. If they don’t, all you need to do is to buy a pack of batteries! Don’t forget that some of these devices have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years so keep tabs on when they were installed, as well.
Partnering with Florida-based property management services eases your inspection and maintenance process i.e. they can check if these alarms work for you. That way, you don’t have to drive all the way to your real estate investment every time.
#4 Clean the Roof
You need to inspect your roof at least once a year. However, in the event of a storm, you should inspect it immediately, as well. Your roof can withstand the wind, however, if the winds are too intense (e.g. a Category One tornado can already peel your roof off), there’s a good chance that it has sustained damage.
As a rule of thumb, there should be a way for the rainwater to flow off of the roof, or away from the structure. Hence, it’s critical to prepare your gutters for rainy season by getting rid of dirt, debris, and so on. This also prevents pests from nesting in the gutters.
If you can’t inspect your roof (for instance, your property is two stories tall), contact a professional to do it for you. If you’ve partnered with Luxury Property Care, we can help you enlist the services of a professional roofer.
Do not attempt to climb up the roof because you’ll only put yourself in peril. If you have a pair of binoculars, those work as an alternative, too. Otherwise, don’t put yourself and your property at risk.
#5 Replace the HVAC Filters
Over time, the filters in your HVAC will accumulate dirt, dust, and other pollutants. Not only will this cause your HVAC to be inefficient, but it will likely make your tenants feel uncomfortable, too. The air will feel stuffy and they will soon show signs of allergies.
The solution is to put new air filters into your HVAC at least twice a year. That way, your HVAC’s performance will not be affected by dirt, dust, and so on. It’s an inexpensive way to ensure your tenants continue to inhale clean air.
Get Your Tenant Involved, Too
Property maintenance shouldn’t be the landlord’s responsibility only – the tenant should do their part, too! You won’t be able to keep tabs on your property 24/7, but your tenants will be able to perform minor repairs, maintenance, and more as needed. Besides, the moment they sign the lease agreement, they also agree to do minor home maintenance tasks like throwing out the garbage, mowing the lawn, etc.
For maintenance concerns they can’t (and shouldn’t) handle, they should be able to contact you immediately. Make sure your tenants know that they can report repairs at any time. That way, your property maintenance team can get to work ASAP and “nip it in the bud” before it’s too late. With that said, your tenants should have your contact number, or be able to use a tenant portal. It shouldn’t be difficult for them to inform you about the property’s problems.
The Key to Property Upkeep
Property maintenance can be time-consuming, but fortunately, you can partner up with a South Florida property management company. With a dedicated property manager by your side, you’ll be able to grow your income without getting into the nitty-gritty – your property manager will deal with that for you!
If you’re searching for expert property management in South Florida, get in touch with Luxury Property Care. We’ve been in the business for years, and we’ve helped countless property owners maximize their investments.
Call (561) 944 – 2992 or complete the contact form for more information. To begin, we will prepare an obligation-free assessment of your property.
