As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure your property is always in top condition. Remember that maintaining your rental property so that it is safe for your tenants is essential. It’s written in the law for a reason, don’t overlook look it.
No need, Upkeep Media Inc. put this article together to put you on the right track. A routine maintenance schedule will help you:
- Meet all state regulations regarding property maintenance.
- Identify problems early. This will not only save you money but will also help you plan how best to address the problems.
- Reduce tenant turnover. A regularly maintained property improves a tenant’s quality of life. With improved quality of life, a tenant is more likely to rent longer.
- Preserve your property’s value. Addressing repair and maintenance issues on time will ensure the property is always in its best condition.
This article is designed for landlords who want to stay on top of their property maintenance. It gives you a season-by-season look at the maintenance tasks that will keep your property in top condition.
Winter Maintenance
The following are all-important winter maintenance tasks to do before storms hit full-force:
- Attend to the roof: If you have yet to have a certified roofing professional inspect your roof this year, now is the time. It’s important to look for even minor issues, as this can lead to deterioration and water exposure leaving your HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems at risk.
- Weather-proof structures: Don’t forget to seal windows and doors to insulate against the winter chill. This keeps out damaging moisture and keeps heating costs down for your tenants.
- Prune trees & clear debris: Now is the time to prune your vegetation to protect it from harsh weather, and to ensure safety for your tenants.
- Flush the water heater: Experts advice that you flush the water heater at least every two years to control mineral buildups that can cause damage or prevent efficiency.
- Winterize pipes: Any pipes that are not insulated must be draped to make certain that they don’t burst or freeze in low temperatures. Tell your tenants to keep the cabinet under the kitchen sink open so warm air can flow around the pipes. Instruct them to keep one or two faucets running slowly at all times to prevent the line from freezing. Tell your tenants to take special precautions if the temperature drops below 20 degrees. Remind your tenants to disconnect garden hoses and insulate outdoor spigots.
Autumn Maintenance
Doing a little preventative maintenance during autumn can help keep your rental property in tiptop condition.
The following are all-important autumn maintenance tasks to do as the temperatures improve:
- Gutters: Once leaves start to fall, clean out gutters and downspouts around the property. Clogged gutters can cause a flood in the basement. This may lead to foundation failure.
- Caulking: One of the least expensive maintenance jobs is caulking and sealing openings. Spaces in the structure are disastrous. They can cause water to seep in and freeze, which may result in cracks and build-up of mold.
- Roof inspection: Rapidly changing temperatures and humidity combined with snow, rain, ice and wind can wreak havoc on roofs.
- Prep your attic: Check your attic’s insulation to prevent ice damming on your roof, which can lead to expensive repairs.
- Inspect for safety: Autumn brings with it cold weather and, often rain. Inspect your supports and railings for decks, patios, and entryways.
Summer Maintenance
- Safety: Prep your property for high heat and remove fire dangers. Trim bushes and trees, take care to remove dead plants.
- Seasonal pest control: Bugs love warm weather, including ants, mosquitoes, wasps, and spiders.
- Check sprinkler systems: When temperatures start to rise, service the irrigation system to save on water usage, reduce standing water and prevent landscape damage.
- Ready outdoor amenities: If your property offers outdoor amenities like pools, fire pits or grills, make sure everything is clean and working well.
Spring Maintenance
It’s likely your tenants will start to head outside to enjoy the fresh air once again as the sun starts peeking through the clouds.
The following are important spring maintenance tasks:
- Have the HVAC inspected: Be certain that your property’s heating system is inspected, serviced and cleaned at least once a year.
- Reduce moisture: Winter dampness can lead to mold buildup on the surface of walls within the unit. So, remind tenants to look for any mold. Hire a dehumidifier to ensure no mildew is allowed to develop or manage small puddles as quickly as possible.
- Spring-clean the exteriors: Check for areas that could use a good power washing and blast away any residual winter grime.
- Landscape maintenance: Spring is known for its beautiful blooms; increase your curb appeal and your tenants’ contentment by sprucing up your landscape.
All said, a properly maintained property definitely commands a premium over a property which is not. It attracts a quality tenant who is responsible and pays rent on time. This will help you earn a good ROI from your investment.
Does this sound like more than you want to handle as a rental property owner? That’s where Real Property Management Ventura County comes to the rescue. Whether you one or rental home or one HUNDRED properties, our goal is to protect and maximize your investment. Using the over-arching years of nationwide experience given to use by the Real Property Management Brand, we have streamlined its processes to help rental homeowners maximize their income while minimizing expenses and inefficiencies. This includes taking care of all the necessary year-round maintenance amongst other things. For more information on how we can make rental property investment a breeze, contact us online or call us at 805-387-3682.