For various single-family Orford rental property owners, maintenance and repair are generally viewed as a big hassle. But then again, preventive maintenance is a necessary part of the continuous obligation that your valuable investment needs to achieve the maximum possible return. This is true whether your property is occupied or vacant. Even though your tenant is responsible for some maintenance tasks, you should also carry out certain ongoing maintenance tasks regularly. Doing so is not only an essential part of responsible property ownership but can also help you attract and retain quality tenants. In this post, we will evaluate the top 5 preventive maintenance tasks that you (not your tenant) should be doing to keep your cash flows in the black.
1. Plumbing System
One of the fastest ways to result in major repair bills is to neglect your rental property’s plumbing system. Instead, invest some effort to conduct annual inspections of all pipes, faucets, drains, and water heaters in the house. Watch for signs of leaks under cabinets or around the base of toilets, slow drains, and other developing problems. Never rely on your tenant to report every little thing – it is recommended to check it yourself. By catching and addressing these issues when they are little, you can prevent expensive water damage and emergency plumbing repairs.
2. HVAC Efficiency
Another highly essential maintenance task you need to handle is HVAC maintenance. Air conditioning units and furnaces need to be serviced at least once a year to stay efficient. Ignoring these systems can drastically shorten their lifespan, resulting in expensive replacement bills. Inside the house, check for blocked vents, dirty registers, and other indications that HVAC problems are developing. This can help keep your property’s HVAC unit functioning great and keep your tenants comfortable year-round.
3. Water Damage Prevention
Another top preventive maintenance task that should be accomplished every year includes preventing water damage to your property. Water damage is regularly brought about by clogged gutters, roof leaks, poor drainage around the foundation, leaking sprinkler pipes, etc. To recognize potential problems early, perform a visual inspection of your property’s exterior, roof, and grounds. If you found water pooling, stains, or debris, these are all warnings of impending water damage and should be addressed immediately.
4. Safety
Your tenant’s safety is a top concern for them and you as the property owner. One of the essential preventive maintenance tasks includes making sure that safety features are functioning appropriately. This includes door and window locks, alarm systems (if your property has one), and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It is a little thing to replace a deadbolt on an exterior door, but it essentially diminishes risk and expands safety simultaneously.
5. Structural Integrity
Finally, review your property for potential structural integrity issues. This can be just as easy as doing a visual inspection for signs of termite damage and cracks in the foundation. It is also imperative to inspect for any damage to the home’s siding, flashing, and roof to guarantee that it is still weather-proof and visually appealing. If you notice any damage, cracks, or unsightly wear and tear, it’s recommended to have repairs done immediately to avoid massive problems arising sooner or later.
Preventive maintenance is something you should stay on top of all of the time, not just at move-out or when an emergency arises. However, it tends to be hard to remember to do this and other essential maintenance tasks every year and when necessary. As a substitute, why not work with Real Property Management Beacon so they can deal with preventive maintenance for you? Our Orford property managers have the experience and expertise to keep your property in good condition year after year. To learn more about our services, contact us online or call us at 603-448-8808 today!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
