When you invest in a rental property, it likely seems like a great source of income with minimal effort. Perhaps you imagine tenants enjoying the cozy fireplace or sipping coffee on the patio. But before they settle in, it’s essential to ensure everything is in working order. Check the chimney, flue, and firebox before you build that first fire. None of the advertisements for the various real estate companies mention the seasonal property upkeep or weekly maintenance you’ll need to do as the homeowner.
Seasonal Home Care Explained
Every home needs specific tasks accomplished annually, seasonally, monthly, and weekly to thrive. Creating a process for tasks can help get them done more quickly. Easier maintenance comes from knowing what to do and when then scheduling it into regular life. For example, each week a renter or homeowner needs to empty the trash bins inside the home into a large trash bag, then take it to the curb for pickup or to the landfill in areas without trash service.
While specific tasks vary by property, landlords can expect to rake the yard during fall, shovel snow during winter, and hand water your garden in summer. In spring, the house undergoes a deep cleaning. Twice per year, homes with central heat and air systems or boilers with furnaces need to contract with an HVAC company for an inspection and seasonal system maintenance. Next, let’s consider a few tips to help a homeowner maintain their home beautifully.
Tips for Essential Home Upkeep
- Regular property inspections can identify potential issues, protecting both tenants and property investments.
- Smoke detectors, HVAC systems, and plumbing require routine checks to ensure their functionality and safety.
- Hiring a property management company can ease maintenance burdens and improve tenant communication processes.
- Investing in professional pipeline inspections can prevent serious damage, maintain property integrity, and ensure local regulation compliance.
As a rental property owner, you know the importance of satisfying your tenants. One of the key aspects of tenant satisfaction is maintaining the rental homes to remain in good condition. Proactive maintenance can go a long way in preventing major issues, saving you money, and keeping your tenants happy. This article will share some tips on maintaining your rental homes proactively, ensuring that your tenants are happy and that your properties stay in top shape.
Schedule Regular Inspections
It’s essential to schedule regular inspections of your rental homes to identify potential issues before they become major problems. Regular inspections can help you catch any problems early on, reducing the risk of expensive repairs in the future. During inspections, here are some important things that you need to check:
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are vital safety devices every rental home should have in proper working order. As a property owner, you should test these devices during each property inspection to ensure they’re functioning correctly. It’s not just about complying with safety regulations—it’s about ensuring the well-being of your tenants. Regular maintenance of these detectors involves testing the alarms, replacing batteries annually, and replacing the entire unit every 7-10 years, as recommended by most manufacturers.
HVAC System
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is a crucial component of your rental property that plays a significant role in maintaining the comfort of your tenants. Routine maintenance checks of your HVAC system will ensure it’s running efficiently, thus preventing costly repair or replacement. This includes regularly changing air filters (typically every 90 days), checking the thermostat settings, inspecting the condensate drain, and ensuring that the outdoor units are clear of debris.
Plumbing
Maintaining the plumbing in your rental properties is crucial to avoid disruptive and costly issues such as leaks, clogs, or pipe damage. Regular checks of the plumbing system can help identify potential problems early on. This includes inspecting faucets for drips, checking under sinks for leaks, testing toilets for leaks and proper flushing, and inspecting the water heater for any signs of corrosion or leaks. Encourage your tenants to report any unusual changes in water pressure or usage, as these could be signs of a hidden leak.
Hire a Property Management Company
Hiring a property management company can be an excellent option for rental property owners looking to maintain rental homes proactively. Property management companies have experienced professionals who can manage your rental homes’ day-to-day management, including routine maintenance, emergency repairs, inspections, and tenant communication. Here are some factors to take into account before hiring a property management company:
Experience and Reputation
It’s essential to do your research before hiring a property management company. Look for companies with experience managing rental properties like yours and a good reputation in the market. You can also ask for referrals from other rental property owners or read online reviews to understand their service quality.
Services Provided
When hiring a property management company, it’s crucial to understand the services it offers. Some companies may only cover basic services like rent collection and tenant communication, while others may also provide routine maintenance and emergency repairs. Make sure to clarify what services are included in their management package.
Cost
Before hiring a property management company, it’s important to consider the cost of their services. Most companies charge a percentage of the monthly rent as their fee, so make sure to compare rates and services offered by different companies before making a decision.
Invest in Pipeline Inspections
Investing in efficient pipeline inspection services can significantly contribute to the proactive maintenance of your rental properties. Pipeline issues such as blockages or damages can lead to serious concerns like leaks or water damage, affecting the property’s structural integrity and the tenant’s comfort.
Regular inspections by qualified professionals can help detect any irregularities or potential issues early on, ensuring the longevity of your pipelines and averting expensive repairs or replacements in the future.
Furthermore, regular inspections can also help you identify any potential code violations or safety hazards, ensuring that your rental properties comply with local regulations.
Maintaining rental homes proactively is essential for the health and longevity of your real estate investment. By following the tips in this blog post, you can ensure that your rental homes stay in good condition, your tenants are happy, and you maximize your investment. Whether you work with a property management company, maintain regular maintenance tasks, or schedule regular inspections, taking proactive steps to maintain your rental homes can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your business running smoothly.
