Relying on tenants to report maintenance concerns is not always the most effective way to keep things up to date and running smoothly. As a landlord or property owner, regular seasonal maintenance should be one of the most important tasks to keep on your radar.
From inspecting the roof and cleaning the gutters to testing smoke detectors and thermostats, seasonal property maintenance is essential when being a landlord or property owner.
Making sure to routinely keep up with your property’s maintenance concerns assures that no larger issues will arise later, costing you more money to fix in the long run.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out our Rental Property Maintenance Checklist. Here we will give you insight on where to start with your rental property maintenance.
What’s the Importance?
Regular seasonal maintenance should take place at any property or rental home to keep up with repairs, leaks and other issues that tenants may come across.
If a maintenance issue goes unnoticed or untreated, it could snowball into a much larger issue that could be more expensive to fix. For example, if a hole in a window screen doesn’t get patched or replaced, it can give bugs or other pests access to the property. In the worst-case scenario, this situation can call for an exterminator, which is not a cheap fix.
Sometimes, you end up with a poor renter who may cause damage and neglect to report maintenance concerns. This is another reason why creating a checklist or routine for your property maintenance can be beneficial. This can be frustrating, however, it’s best to stay calm and come up with a reasonable compromise to compensate for damages.
What Maintenace Should Be Done?
The home maintenance that should take place at your property can be categorized into two different areas: Outdoor maintenance and indoor maintenance. Here’s a breakdown of what should be done for both of these categories.
Outdoor Maintenance
- Clean the gutters- Gutters that are filled with debris prevent the proper draining of water from the roof, which can cause home damage or roof leaks.
- Remove leaves from the yard- To keep a healthy lawn, rake and mow regularly, leaving one to two inches to help maintain water retention.
- Power wash the porch and siding- Every few years or every other year, the siding and porch should be power washed to remove any mold or mildew buildup and keep your property looking clean.
- Turn off outside water spigots in the fall- Neglecting to do so can result in cracked or freezing spigots, hose attachments or pipes, which is expensive to repair.
- Inspect the roof- If the roof is damaged, it can cause leaks or nail pops that should be repaired immediately to keep tenants safe, warm and dry.
- Replace window screens that have holes or rips- Damage can easily be done to window screens and should be repaired immediately to prevent pest infestations.
- Check the HVAC system- Take a look at the HVAC system routinely to replace filters and check for any noticeable issues.
- Watch for any necessary porch or deck repairs- Making sure the deck is in good condition ensures a clean, safe area for tenants to use while maintaining curb appeal.
- Lawn care and snow removal- Whether it is you or your tenant’s responsibility, it’s important to make sure the lawn is maintained and snow and ice are removed during the winter.
Outdoor maintenance, while necessary, takes time and dedication to your property. If damages go unnoticed, they can cause home health issues both indoors and outdoors, which will be expensive and even more time-consuming to repair. Some indoor maintenance tips to consider include:
Indoor Maintenance
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors- It’s extremely vital that all smoke or carbon monoxide detectors in the home are working properly.
- Test the thermostat- To maintain energy efficiency, check to make sure the thermostat is working properly.
- Check basement moisture levels- Dampness in the basement can lead to bigger issues like pest infestations or mold growth.
- Quickly check for any lease violations- Without infringing on your tenant’s privacy, quickly look around to make there are no major lease violations.
- Inspect pipes and faucets- During winter months and cold temperatures, pipes can potentially crack or freeze which can cause much more significant damage to the home.
- Clean indoor vents- Dust or buildup in any indoor vents should be cleaned or replaced to reduce the chances of house fires.
- Check for any water damage- Water damage can lead to mold growth which is harmful to your home and your health.
How Often Should Maintenace Take Place?
Depending on where you live, indoor and outdoor maintenance can both depend on the weather or season. For example, outdoor water spigots can stay on during warm summer months but should be turned off before winter to reduce the possibility of freezing pipes.
Another maintenance area that is taken care of during winter is shoveling and ice removal. This should be discussed between you and your tenant to set clear boundaries for who’s responsible for snow removal.
If you don’t know where to start, turn to your local property managers to help you manage your rental home or property. Bay Property Management Group will help you follow every preventative rental property maintenance guideline imaginable to help you keep your home as healthy as possible.
