The Ultimate Property Maintenance Checklist for Rental Properties

Having a rental unit is a great source of income for many people, but taking care of that rental unit is what ultimately protects your long-term investment. Many landlords think about maintenance as a ―reactiveǁ activity by waiting until something fails before fixing it. The reality is that preventative maintenance is one of the most effective means of decreasing repair costs, improving tenant satisfaction and protecting your property’s value.

With increased repair costs, higher tenant expectations and enforced building codes, having an outlined plan for maintaining your rental properties has never been more important.

Current Rental Market Challenges

A number of maintenance difficulties are currently affecting landlords today. The ongoing rise in labor & material costs has meant that, for many landlords, the expense of making emergency repairs has been significantly higher than the expense of completing regular & routine maintenance. In addition, most tenants expect their property owner(s) to provide timely responses to their maintenance requests, as well as provide an overall good living environment and an effective communication method for interacting with them regarding maintenance matters.

Deferral of Maintenance by a Landlord will lead to Higher Costs in the Future

Due to the current condition of the plumbing, a landlord may have to wait to deal with a small plumbing leak that will result in water damage at a later date. If a landlord does not maintain his/her HVAC systems properly, the landlord may be surprised at how their HVAC systems fail during peak usage periods.

Why Preventive Maintenance Matters

Landlords who practice preventive maintenance can catch small problems in their properties and fix them before they turn into big problems (big bills).

The main benefits of preventive maintenance are:

• You pay less for emergency repairs.
• Your property systems and equipment will last longer.
• Your tenants will stick around longer.
• Your property will be worth more.
• Your properties will be less likely to have long periods of vacancy.

When properties are maintained properly and consistently, they will typically attract better tenants and have higher rental returns as time goes on.

Ultimate Rental Property Maintenance Checklist

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

Interior

• Look for any leaks under the sink or around the fixture.

• Check the functioning of the smoke detector and the carbon monoxide detectors.

• Inspect HVAC filter and replace if necessary.

• Look for any signs of pests.

Exterior

• Inspect the operation of the outside lighting and the security system(s).

• Check the landscaping and remove any overgrown vegetation.

• Make sure all walkways and common areas are free from hazards.

Quarterly Maintenance Tasks

HVAC System Examination

● Replace Air Filters

● Check Thermostat Operation

● Inspect Vents & Duct Work

Safety Checks

● Test Fire Extinguishers

● Verify Emergency Exits Are Accessible

● Inspect Handrails, Stairs & Any Other Safety Features

Tasks for Maintenance Every Six Months

Plumbing

— Water pressure check

— Water heater check

— Inspect for leaks & corrosion

Electrical

— Outlets & switches testing

— Circuit breakers checked

— Functionality check of GFCI/outlets

Tasks for Maintenance Annually

A professional should perform a roof inspection

• Clean gutters & downspouts
• Check on outside of house for paint and siding quality
• Pest control inspection if applicable

Inspect foundation for cracks or issues with settling

Using Technology to Simplify Maintenance

Modern leasing tools make it easier than ever to monitor maintenance schedules; digital checklists that are created by inspectors, requests submitted electronically through portals and automatic scheduling systems for landlords to respond quickly to maintenance requests.

Smart sensors can also detect appliances leaking water, changing temperature and malfunctioning also will identify issues before they worsen, helping to reduce both the cost of repairs as well as the associated damage to a property.

Common Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

However, there are many landlords who unknowingly experience higher costs due to making easily avoidable maintenances mistakes such as;

• Waiting until something breaks before taking action,
• Ignoring your small leaks and/or electrical issues
• Skipping seasonal inspections
• Delaying HVAC maintenance services and
• Not maintaining records of their maintenance history.

The proactive approach of regular maintenances saves money and improves the overall experience for your tenants.

Conclusion

Property Maintenance Should Never Be Considered Just An Expense — Maintaining Your Property Long Term Is Much More Than That: It Is An Investment In The Future Success Of Your Rental Property. By Following A Maintenance Checklist, Carrying Out Maintenance Tasks Pro-Actively And In A Structured Way, All Landlords Can Reduce Costly Repairs, Increase Tenant Satisfaction And Retain The Value Of The Form Property Over Time.

Successful Rental Property Owners Never Wait For Problems To Occur Before They Start Preventing Them.