As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to maintain standards of health and safety for your tenants.
Not only is preventative maintenance helpful for increasing tenant satisfaction, but it’s also required by law. You are legally obligated to keep major systems like HVAC, water, and electricity in working order.
One way to assess maintenance concerns in your units is to conduct regular inspections. Property inspections allow you to evaluate the care and health of your units and catch potential dangers before they become serious problems.
Here is a maintenance checklist you should consult at least once a year to preserve your rentals and the safety of your tenants.
Locks and Emergency Alarms
At least once a year, check all the door and window locks in your rentals. As burglaries tend to increase during the summer months, prioritize checking that all locks function property in the spring.
It’s also good practice to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a year. These devices save lives in emergencies, and you are required to install and maintain them in housing dwellings.
To test a smoke alarm, hold the test button. If the alarm is weak, blinks red, or emits a chirping sound, replace the battery or install a new alarm.
Roofs and Gutters
Severe weather can take a toll on roofs and gutters. After the winter season, inspect the roofs of your rentals for weather damage or potential leaks.
It’s also essential to clean the gutters of all your rental properties. Working gutters channel rainwater to prevent leaks, resist water damage, reduce mold, and protect the foundation of your rentals. Neglecting these damages can seriously jeopardize your rentals’ long-term value.
Pipes and Water Damage
Speaking of leaks, water damage is a common maintenance concern in rental properties. At least once a year, inspect all pipes and search for any evidence of water damage, no matter how small the leak may seem.
For example, start by closely inspecting bathroom and kitchen sinks, cabinets, showers, and dishwashers. Fix any toilet or faucet leaks or call a plumbing professional.
Shower Caulk and Grout
Areas that frequently get wet (bathrooms) are especially susceptible to long-term damage. For this reason, it’s best to check the shower caulk and grout when inspecting a unit.
Shower wear and tear can lead to ugly stains or even mold growth around the rim and walls of the tub. Treat and remove any mold you find, then touch up the caulk and grout.
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Lawn Health
Healthy lawns are attractive to prospective renters and make current tenants feel better about their housing. While your current tenants might be responsible for mowing or trimming, it’s your responsibility to watch for dead areas and treat or replant them.
If you’re looking to restore healthy nutrients to the soil and cultivate vibrant plant growth, you might also aerate the soil and introduce fertilizer.
HVAC and Thermostats
HVAC systems are a vital component of your rentals. However, problems with HVAC systems can lead to expensive repairs and place a serious burden on your wallet.
To avoid maintenance tickets about HVAC systems, regularly change the air filters in your AC and furnace. New filters prevent dirt and dust from clogging your systems and causing damage or potential failure.
While you’re thinking about heating and cooling, be sure to check the thermostat. Make sure each thermostat gives accurate readings so you can correctly evaluate energy efficiency.
Pests
Finally, be attentive to potential pest infestations in your rentals. Pests are extremely inconvenient and worrisome to tenants, so make sure you address any pest control issues quickly. Check for evidence of rodents, insects, and other pests.
Manage Maintenance with Property Management Software
Remember, best rental property management software is your hub for fielding tenant maintenance requests. If a tenant has a concern about any of the above maintenance problems or others, they can submit a ticket with pictures or videos directly on your platform’s maintenance portal.
Property management software makes it easy to track the progress of maintenance requests. However, by keeping up with property inspections and regularly checking the above concerns, you can effectively prevent maintenance problems before they worsen and limit the number of tickets you receive. Preventative maintenance is the smartest way to protect both your tenants and your business.
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