Overpaying for property management maintenance can put a big dent in your profits. Start saving by researching the average cost of the service you need, creating a realistic budget, and hiring the right tradesperson.
Begin looking for qualified tradespeople through your network of family and friends. Joining an online discussion group for landlords and using home service directories to evaluate local contractors are also great options.
Take your time when hiring a contractor to ensure they can get the job done correctly. Compare quotes from multiple companies, review warranties, and verify that contractors have the appropriate licenses to carry out their work.
Spring is in the air, which means it’s time to get serious about your rental’s spring home maintenance checklist. Follow our tips to check off all of your tasks and cover your rental property—inside and out.
Essential maintenance tasks inside your rental property are servicing the HVAC system, replacing the air filters, checking for excess moisture, and testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
On the outside of your rental property, inspect and fix all issues related to the roof, deck, gutters, downspouts, sprinkler systems, and faucets. Perform landscaping as needed, including lawn care.
Leaky roof at your rental property? Before you grab that ladder, ask yourself: can I safely do this work myself or should I hire a pro? Take our quiz and find out what other questions you need to ask to decide how to approach your next rental repair.
DIY rental repairs can help you save money, maintain quality control, and allow you to learn new skills. However, fixing your property on your own is time consuming, can lead to costly mistakes, and exposes you to legal liability.
Hiring a professional tradesperson is a good way to ensure the repair work is performed to a high standard and will give you free time to focus on other priorities. It can be an expensive option though, and finding a reliable contractor can be difficult.
What’s the magic number to save for your rental property maintenance costs? You can budget for your total costs to equal 1% of your property’s market value, or allocate $1 per square foot of your rental. The actual sum is the one that makes sense for your property and your goals.
Ensure that your maintenance budget accounts for replacing entire items like an HVAC system, appliances, roof, doors, and sewer line, as the cost of doing so is steeper than routine and predictable repairs.
Keep maintenance costs low by knowing when to make a repair yourself and when to hire a professional, conducting routine inspections, and planning ahead for expensive maintenance projects.
When you own a rental property with a pool, you understand the regular maintenance needed, from checking the chlorine levels, removing debris, backwashing the filters, and wiping the walls. If pool duties are abandoned, an unkempt pool can pose pricier repairs and health hazards to tenants.
If a pool is neglected, it can develop algae growth and other harmful bacteria. When long-term tenants fail to clean the pool, the landlord will often need to do more labor-intensive repairs, like draining the pool, scrubbing algae and debris, and replacing filters and pumps.
Hiring a pool person will guarantee your swimming pool is in immaculate condition. At the same time, your tenant will enjoy the rental property, boosting their satisfaction with the amenities and services provided.
Have you noticed large cracks on the exterior wall of your rental home? Hiring a foundation repair professional will help identify the problem’s source and provide a plan of action to solidify your foundation. Shopping around for quotes and learning about preventative maintenance can ultimately save you money.
A good concrete specialist can identify and prioritize critical foundation issues. They can also propose the best and most economical project to improve your property.
Homeowners can significantly reduce water damage to their foundation by adding outdoor water drainage fixtures that redirect water from the home, like gutters and downspouts.
Inside or outside, twice a year or just once: where do you start when it comes to inspecting your rental property? Conduct a rental inspection at least two times a year, usually during the spring and fall. It’s also vital to do one when tenants first move in and when they move out.
When completing a rental inspection, bring a checklist of items to document your findings. Use a combination of notes, photos, and video.
Never show up unannounced at your rental to examine the property. Follow all laws in your jurisdiction that govern rental inspections, including giving your renter sufficient notice before entering.
When you need to remove debris from your gutter, hire an insured gutter contractor for your rental. This minimizes liability and helps you identify any snags in your gutters or downspouts. Cleaning your gutters during spring and fall will prevent standing water from damaging your roof or foundation.
The cost of gutter maintenance will depend on varying factors, primarily the size of the gutter, the height of the gutters from the ground, and the accessibility at which the contractor can easily get to the gutter.
Because gutter cleaners are more experienced in evaluating problem areas and efficiently cleaning and installing gutters, you should hire a professional rather than assigning this task to a tenant.
To avoid unexpected breakdowns in an HVAC system, do routine maintenance to expand the lifespan of your unit. Many out-of-state landlords schedule an annual inspection of their HVAC system to ensure the tenants will always be comfortable with heating and air conditioning, especially in extreme weather conditions.
HVAC contractors specializing in heating, ventilation, and cooling require various types of job training. Depending on the contractor’s region, they must meet different requirements and be licensed to perform complex HVAC electrical repairs.
Investing in a home warranty that covers the costs of appliance maintenance, repairs, and replacement may benefit landlords. The annual premium is typically under $1,000, and you pay a small service fee each time a contractor visits the rental.
Whether your driveway has cracks, or you’re considering a new driveway installation for your rental property, hiring trustworthy, professional concrete contractors will ensure that you minimize costs and gain a smooth driveway that boosts your curb appeal.
A concrete sidewalk or driveway is the most in-demand choice due to its durability, costs, and low-maintenance factors. A property owner can expect to pay between $8-$12 per square foot with concrete costs.
Examining quotes and reviewing the concrete company’s portfolio will help landlords see the big picture. Access to a descriptive estimate will help landlords shop around for the best price.
What’s better than a new coat of paint to refresh your rental space? Finding a painter who can get the job done affordably. Compare estimates and know exactly what to look for, including breakdowns of labor, project details, and materials.
Not all residential painters are required to have a license. In most Canadian provinces, it’s voluntary, except Quebec. Virtually all the U.S. states don’t require a license for small-scale projects.
Most landlords can find painting contractors and companies through their local paint suppliers, online reviews, or references.
How often should you service your HVAC units? When is the best time to get a roof inspection? One of the biggest challenges for a landlord is to juggle these preventative maintenance questions. That’s where our maintenance checklist comes in to help you handle potential issues.
Some rental maintenance tasks take longer, while others are more urgent. Divide your list into different time frames to make your maintenance responsibilities more manageable.
Using a checklist to conduct your rental’s maintenance will help you avoid costly repairs and severe damage to your property. You’ll also foster a more positive relationship with your residents and ensure you’re in compliance with local housing laws.
