Being a landlord comes with the responsibility of maintaining your properties.
Nobody wants to get a late night emergency call that requires a hasty or expensive repair. Fortunately, you can avoid big problems by performing some small, regular maintenance tasks.
Check out these six property maintenance tips for your properties.
#1 – Exterminate regularly
You may think that you don’t need to have an exterminator treat your property unless you have an infestation. However, prevention is the best medicine.
You could do it yourself, but the best course of action is to bring in a professional exterminator at least once every two months.
While there is a cost involved in this preventive maintenance, it is worthwhile in the long run. Preventing critter problems will prevent you from losing tenants, which leads to vacant units and a loss of income.
If you develop an infestation, the cost to remedy that will be significantly more than what you would spend on regular prevention.
#2 – Inspect your property to look for water leaks
Perform your inspection on a day when there are likely to be leaks, like just after a big storm, when the snow is melting, or when it is hot and humid outside.
Check the walls, ceilings, and roof for soft spots. Check near windows, showers, and toilets for water leakage. Inspect the areas around appliances, like around the water heater and below the sink, for any signs of leaks.
An undetected water leak can lead to major damage and expenses. Your tenants’ belongings can be damaged. The structure of the unit can be compromised and mold can form, threatening the structure and the health of the occupants.
#3 – Check the caulk and grout lines in the bathroom
It is normal for the grout and caulk to crack or loosen over time. When this happens, you lose the waterproof seal that protects the walls and floor.
If you see any cracks or loose spots, replace the caulk or grout right away. This will prevent you from having to make major repairs later on.
#4 – Routinely check your emergency detectors
You should test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors once a month, regardless of whether they are battery powered or hard wired.
Set a regular time for testing these devices, such as each month on the same day that the rent is due. Smoke detectors usually are good for about 10 years, and carbon monoxide detectors for five years.
#5 – Replace the furnace and A/C filters at least every six months
This only takes a few minutes, and the cost is nominal. Replacing the filters frequently helps to make your systems run more efficiently and keep utility costs down.
It also means that your furnace and A/C systems don’t have to work so hard, and helps to prevent break downs. Your tenants will appreciate a well-maintained heating and cooling system that doesn’t cost them a fortune to run.
#6 – Drain the water heater once or twice a year
The water supply introduces sediment to your water heater, and draining it occasionally helps to remove that sediment. Excess sediment can clog the drain valve or make your water heater operate less efficiently.
Don’t forget that the owner should spell out that the tenant is responsible for pest control, changing of A/C filters, and smoke detectors. The tenant is also responsible for notifying the owner/property manager of any repair issues.
These property maintenance tips will help you to keep your income properties in great shape. If you are interested in learning more about investing in real estate, get in touch with McMath Realty.
We offer a variety of services to assist you in maintaining your property, includinginvestment consulting,property management,rental management,property inspections, and home maintenance.
We manage rental properties in Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, and all areas of Maricopa County.
Contact McMath Realty at https://mcmathrealty.com//contact.php to learn more about how you can invest in real estate to generate income and build wealth today!