Contrary to popular belief, it takes a little more effort to own an investment property than merely collecting rent, paying the mortgage, and pocketing the profit. To make your property habitable for renters, you will need to handle key apartment maintenance activities as soon as you purchase a new property.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of strategies to assist property owners and managers in keeping their rental homes in good condition to attract new renters, while avoiding major property maintenance issues.
Tips for Impeccable Apartment Maintenance
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Tip #1: Get Organized
You are ultimately liable for the state of your property. This includes responding to repair requests, performing routine apartment maintenance, and dealing with tenant negligence. Getting organized is the best way to manage all of your tasks and expenses while keeping your sanity.
Begin by establishing a record-keeping system. Keep a physical or digital folder for each property and keep track of repair requests and material and labor costs, etc.
When installing anything new, such as flooring, toilets, doors, or appliances, include invoice copies with dates and costs. Keep track of the lifespan of each new item so that you can plan for future replacements or calculate pro-rated charges if damaged by your tenants.
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Tip #2: Make Apartment Maintenance a Regular Event
Plan to have your rental properties inspected for maintenance at least once a year. Inspecting your properties in the spring and fall will help you prepare for the harsher summer and winter months.
Make a checklist of all the things that need maintenance and save it in your property folder. If you’re not sure what to look for in your rental property maintenance, hire a professional home inspector.
Additionally, take photographs of the apartment to maintain a record. This will not only help you determine what needs to be maintained on a regular basis, but also help you predict new purchases like an appliance or deck replacement.
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Tip #3: Prepare Yourself for Repairs
Gather a set of tools and basic equipment to keep on hand in case you, your property manager, or your tenants need to perform minor property maintenance. This will help you in the self-maintenance of your property.
If needed, with the help of information available through the internet, you can easily make small repairs like a leaky faucet, broken doorknob, etc. Making small repairs can definitely save you time and money, but never hesitate to hire a professional for long-term apartment maintenance.
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Tip #4: Stay Updated on Local Laws
The property maintenance for which landlords are accountable varies based on where your rental property is located. It’s vital to stay informed about the unique ordinances and building laws that apply to your structure.
If you are unfamiliar with the laws that apply to your rental property investment, contact the housing board so that they can clearly inform you of the impact of habitability issues that affect your rental property.
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Tip #5: Check for Water Damage and Leaks
The ideal time to look for water leaks is typically after heavy rains, after snow and ice have melted, or on hot days when pipes sweat. Look under the sinks and water heaters for leaks. Check around toilet bases for any sign of leaking. Detecting water leaks as soon as possible is recommended, because undetected leaks can lead to substantial consequences, such as mold and structural damage.
Check window frames and sills to ensure seals are preventing water intrusion.
Detecting leaks early will also prevent the growth of mold, which can be very expensive to remove if not addressed in a timely manner.
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Tip #6: Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Regularly
Inspect the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least every six months as part of your property maintenance schedule to ensure they are in working order. Both the wiring and the devices that are powered by batteries should be tested. Schedule regular functionality and battery tests, since these are safety essentials for both you and the tenants.
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Tip #7: Flush the Water Heaters
Once a year, make sure you flush the water heaters. This will ensure that sediment buildup from the municipal water supply does not damage the pipes and materials of your rental property.
When too much sediment accumulates, it reduces the efficiency and lifespan of the water heater, causing higher operating costs and possibly the need for an expensive replacement.
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Tip #8: Examine the Grout Between Tiles
The grout between the tiles and the caulk surroundings may become loose. When this happens, the waterproof seal gets broken. This may cause water leakage, thus damaging the adjacent floor or walls. Replace or repair the grout and/or caulking when you notice a hole or a crack to prevent further water damage.
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Tip #9: Change Air Conditioning Filters
Changing filters in air conditioning and heating devices at least twice a year is a great practice to follow as part of routine maintenance. Inquire with the manufacturer about a high-efficiency filter that will work with your system. Filters that are dirty raise utility bills by making the system work harder and shorten the lifespan of your equipment. Filter replacement may increase short-term costs, but keeping the heating and air conditioning equipment in good condition will preserve its long-term value. If your property has central HVAC, have the ductwork cleaned at least once a year.
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Tip #10: Keep Your Current Tenants Happy
The most important tip is to take good care of your rental property by responding to the tenants’ requests as fast as possible. This helps in building a solid relationship with your tenants and also maintains the property’s value. They will appreciate the swiftness and effort if you take good care of the property and will feel more at ease with you as a landlord, which will encourage prompt repair requests.
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