When you own rental properties, maintenance is part of the package. And that maintenance includes more than just making repairs when tenants report that something is broken. There are routine maintenance items that you should be doing frequently, on an annual or even monthly basis. As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your property is maintained with good living conditions and perpetual upkeep, both for your tenants’ well-being and to protect your investment. Let’s take a look at some items that should be on your routine maintenance checklist as a landlord:
Change Filters
Regularly changing the filters in the dishwasher, cooker hood and AC should be a task that’s included on your rental property maintenance list. They should normally be changed every three to twelve months, depending on the size of your filter. If your property uses water filters, don’t forget that those will need to be changed too! Regularly changing filters will extend the life of your appliances, which will save you money and make both you and your tenants happy.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. It is your duty to put the health and safety of your tenants first, and you can also face serious legal consequences if these checks aren’t performed. The U.S. Fire Administration says that you should text your alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
Inspect Fire Extinguishers
The same applies to fire extinguishers on your property. Check the packaging for wear and tear, any previous use, and the expiration dates. Inspecting your fire extinguishers is a simple way you can protect your property in case of a fire.
Check Drainage and Plumbing Systems
Yet another important point in the maintenance of any rental property is making sure the drainage is working properly. Shower drains can easily get clogged with hair and could require a more expensive fix if a clog is left to build up, and other kitchen and bathroom drains can also cause problems if not monitored regularly. The cost of an average plumbing job is between $175 and $450, so it’s best to watch out for early signs of clogs, leaks, or damage by taking a look at your plumbing at least twice a year in order to avoid expensive plumbing costs.
Service Heating and Electrical Systems
You should check that the heating systems are working properly before winter arrives. It’s advised that you service any boilers or other heating supplies once a year to keep them in good working order. It not only extends the life of the appliance, but it also keeps it working efficiently. You should also have your electrical system checked annually.
Inspect for Bug Infestations
Insect and pest problems can happen at any time, and they’re relatively common, especially in some areas of the US. Infestations pose a threat to your rental property: they could result in your losing tenants, as well as sustaining significant damage to your property. It’s a good idea to have your house inspected regularly, at least on an annual or bi-annual basis, for pests such as bed bugs and termites.
Deep Clean Tricky Areas
This is perhaps one of the most simple maintenance tips. Performing a deep clean on the property at least once a year is recommended. You should do a thorough cleaning of tricky areas that aren’t usually maintained, including cleaning carpets, blinds, and furniture. This will ensure that the property is kept in its best condition and will stop any long-term dirt from building up.
Maintain the Property’s Exterior
The outside of your property is just as important as the inside. To minimize any costly expenses, you’ll want to maintain the outside of your rental property, too. This can be things as simple as arranging for the grass to be mowed every other week in the summer, the windows to be cleaned, and the woodwork to be treated. You also need to check for any damage to walkways or driveways, blocked gutters, or leaks. Although you may require tenants to complete general yard and garden maintenance as part of their contract, it’s a good idea for you to look after things like hedge trimming and seasonal upkeep. You may also want to consider hiring a snow removal service during the winter so you can keep your tenants safe in bad weather.
A Property Manager Can Help
These are just some of the basic routine maintenance items you’ll need to keep up with to ensure your tenants’ safety and happiness and to maintain your property’s value. It can be a daunting task to continually keep up with all the maintenance that needs to be done, but a property manager can help by taking care of those responsibilities for you. At Amanica, we’ll coordinate all your property’s repairs and maintenance so that you don’t have to.
Change Filters 