One of a landlord’s fundamental tasks is maintaining his rental units. But considering the array of potential issues at a rental property—from plumbing to structural—no landlord can single-handedly manage every repair. Instead, he must engage reliable maintenance professionals before his property needs work. 

 Ideal vendors will reliably produce quality work at a reasonable price. But how do you find such service providers? Here are some ideas to consider. 

 Referrals. One of the best ways to discover quality contractors is to ask fellow property owners, real estate agents, or maintenance professionals in your area. Your local landlord association may post a list of trusted vendors to use as a starting point. 

 Pricing. Requesting bids from multiple vendors can ensure you’re getting a fair price. Giving each service provider the exact specifications will make bids easier to compare. This process will indicate each professional’s pricing and illustrate their responsiveness and level of professionalism. 

 Reviews. Looking up a contractor on a review site will let you see the feedback they’ve received from previous customers. An additional search on Better Business Bureau can provide further information, including any complaints filed against the vendor. 

 Licensing. Every state has specific licensing standards for service professionals. Ensure the vendor has the proper licensing and insurance coverage to handle any accidents that arise during the project. 

 Experience. Does the vendor have expertise in the area you need? Ask how long they’ve been in business, comparable projects they’ve completed, and who you can contact as a referral. A reputable contractor should happily fulfill any reasonable requests for more information. 

 Availability. Be sure the maintenance professional you’re considering can complete the work within the required timeframe. Even a high-quality contractor won’t be a good fit if he doesn’t have the availability you need. 

 Warranties. What kind of guarantee does the vendor offer for his work? Obtaining a warranty will give you peace of mind, knowing that the maintenance professional stands behind his work. 

 Once you find a quality vendor, keep up a positive relationship to continue working together in the future. Set clear expectations, be responsive, and make payments on time. Contractors will also appreciate referrals to other local landlords and property management experts. Repeat business builds respect and loyalty, guaranteeing the best possible service. 

 Finding great service professionals can be daunting. But remember that the timing and quality of repair work will ultimately reflect on your reputation as a landlord. The time and effort you put into doing research upfront will pay off in the long run by mitigating problems and liability caused by substandard work. 

 About Rentals America     

Rentals America provides full-service property management for residential rental properties. Our team is wholly dedicated to property management, and we’re here to help landlords navigate the rental market.