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Tips for Developing a Maintenance Schedule for Your Rental Properties
Renting out a property requires a lot of work and dedication. That’s why it’s important to develop a solid maintenance schedule for your properties. If you want your rental properties to stay in top condition and attract desirable tenants, it pays to develop an easy to follow maintenance schedule. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Understand the Risks
The first step is to understand the risks that can come with putting off repairs and maintenance tasks. Property damage can cost a lot if tenant negligence or normal wear and tear isn’t taken care of in a timely manner. For this reason, it’s important to plan out a system of regular maintenance visits, inspections, and repairs for your rental properties.
Discuss Maintenance Tasks and Schedules with Tenants
When you start planning your maintenance schedule, sit down with your tenants and discuss both expectations and timelines. You may not need to consult tenants every time you make a change to the schedule, but it’s important that you inform them of any upcoming maintenance visits. This consultation process not only ensures tenant satisfaction, but can also help catch potential mistakes or discrepancies early.
Inspect the Property Regularly
Carrying out inspections on a regular basis is a vital part of creating maintenance plans. It’s important to understand the condition of your rental properties and make sure everything is functioning properly. You should plan on having inspections at least twice a year to look for any potential repairs or maintenance tasks that need to be taken care of. It’s also a great way to check on the safety, cleanliness, and overall condition of the property.
Know The Common Maintenance Tasks
When it comes to creating a maintenance plan there are certain tasks you need to keep in mind. It’s important to recognize the necessary duties such as regularly inspecting the home, cleaning the gutters, dealing with electrical and appliance issues, winterizing the plumbing, and more. Additionally, you should pay attention to seasonal maintenance tasks such as preparing the property for cold weather or giving it an exterior update before the spring.
Maintenance Software Can Help
There are plenty of maintenance software options available today that can help you create a simple and organized maintenance plan. This software can be used to keep track or repairs, tenant reports, and tasks that need to be completed. It can be a great way to manage tasks and keep your rental properties in top condition.
Prioritize Necessary Repairs
When you encounter repairs or maintenance issues, it’s important to prioritize. Focus on repairs that need to be done immediately and then prioritize the longer-term repairs and maintenance tasks. You should also pay attention to repairs related to safety or tenant comfort and inspect those before anything else.
Keep a Careful Record of Everything
Documentation is important when dealing with repairs and maintenance tasks. Add notes for each task that is completed and make sure to keep records of all of your bills and payments. You should also save all the documents related to tenant complaints, maintenance receipts, and anything else related to the upkeep of your rental properties.
What To Do With Rental Property Maintenance Emergencies
When a tenant calls with a maintenance emergency, you should evaluate the situation carefully. Consider the severity of the issue before you make a decision – if it’s an emergency repair, take care of it straight away. If it’s an issue that can wait a few days, you may want to create a schedule for the repairs and ask the tenant if they can wait it out. Many times, going the extra mile to help the tenant can mean the difference between a great tenant experience and a bad one.
Find the Right Maintenance Professionals
When you come across maintenance tasks that you can’t handle yourself, it pays to find the right professionals for the job. Make sure to do some research and find reliable contractors with plenty of experience working on rental properties. Compare and contrast different candidates and make sure to ask them questions about their experience and qualifications. It’s important to keep a list of contractors you can count on in case of an emergency.
Maintenance Schedules Are Important
Having a good maintenance schedule in place can help you keep your rental properties in tip-top shape and save you time and money in the long run. Knowing the common maintenance tasks and having an understanding of your rental property will help you set up an easy to follow maintenance plan. It can also help you foster a better relationship with tenants and provide them with a better overall tenant experience.
Keys to Successfully Maintaining Your Properties
- Understand the risks and prioritize necessary repairs
- Consult tenants so everyone is on the same page
- Carry out inspections regularly and document everything
- Know the common maintenance tasks and prioritize those
- Use maintenance software to help create plans
- Find the right contractors for tasks you can’t handle
- Be prepared to handle emergency maintenance inquiries
Having a comprehensive maintenance plan is an integral part of staying on top of repairs and maintenance tasks and keeping your rental properties in great shape. With these tips, you’ll be able to create a plan that works for you and your tenants. Now that you know our Tips for Developing a Maintenance Schedule for Your Rental Properties, you can get to work creating the perfect maintenance schedule. Good luck!
What types of maintenance should be included in a rental property maintenance schedule?
1. Regular inspections and testing of all equipment.
2. Regular cleaning of carpets, windows, and appliances.
3. Regular preventive maintenance on HVAC systems.
4. Inspection and repair of plumbing and electrical systems.
5. Regular pest control and extermination.
6. Landscaping maintenance (mowing, trimming, etc.)
7. Regular painting, staining and other external maintenance.
8. Scheduled replacement of appliances, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and hardware.
9. Regular roof inspections and repairs.
10. Regular driveway and walkway repair and maintenance.
What should be included in a preventative maintenance schedule for a rental property?
1. Exterior Maintenance: Inspect and clean gutters, replace any broken roof tiles, check for signs of damage or rot to siding, caulk windows and doors, inspect and trim trees and shrubs, inspect the driveway or walkway for cracks or stains.
2. Interior Maintenance: Change furnace and air conditioning filters, inspect and clean all appliances, mirrors, and fixtures, check for areas of water damage or mold growth, inspect the plumbing system and replace washers, check wall and flooring for signs of wear or damage.
3. Safety Measures: Inspect and test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, check all stair handrails for stability, inspect and repair all safety measures.
4. Pest Control: Inspect all areas of the property for evidence of pests, inspect all crawl spaces, attics, and basements for pests, inspect and clean all traps and snares, schedule regular visits from a professional pest control expert.
5. Regular Inspections: Schedule annual inspections of all areas of the property, including the interior, exterior, plumbing, and electrical systems.
What are the benefits of implementing a preventative maintenance schedule for a rental property?
1. Increased Property Value: Implementing a preventative maintenance schedule for a rental property can help ensure the property is well-kept, reducing the risk of more costly repairs in the future and increasing the property’s value.
2. Maximized Rental Return: With a regular maintenance schedule, rental properties are likely to attract tenants who are looking for a well-maintained home. This could lead to higher rental returns for the property owner.
3. Cost Savings: Regular preventative maintenance can help identify small problems before they become large ones and result in expensive repairs. This could save money over the long-term.
4. Greater Tenant Satisfaction: Regularly scheduled maintenance and repair of rental properties can help eliminate maintenance complaints. This could help with tenant retention by increasing tenant satisfaction.
5. Improved Safety: Scheduled maintenance can help ensure the safety of tenants and their possessions, and reduce liability for the property owner.