Maintenance. The word is often responsible for nightmares and huge pits in the stomach, but it doesn’t have to be that way. While some rental property owners and managers wring their hands and procrastinate over maintenance issues, others have learned that a “plan to maintain” is a critical aspect in the success of their rental property pursuits.  

Maintenance comes in many shapes and sizes, and each type has its place in a profitable rental business—whether it consists of two or 200 units.  

So, let’s delve into the many facets of property maintenance, beginning with— 

Preventative maintenance 

The focus here is to catch minor issues before they become major concerns via regularly scheduled inspections for the following— 

• • • Pests/critters  
    • Leaks and water damage 
    • Wall/ceiling cracks or peeling paint 
    • Missing or damaged tile grout and shower/sink caulking  
    • Clogged or damaged gutters 

Preventative maintenance saves time and money while protecting your investment.  

Routine maintenance 

Next on the list is routine maintenance, often associated with lawn care and landscaping, garbage and recycling collection and removal, and exterior upkeep. Some “routine” tasks will fall into a weekly schedule, while others need attention monthly or quarterly. The key is to consider the care and maintenance of these areas to be routine in the sense that you perform the tasks regularly. Neglect any of these areas, and the curb appeal of your property will plummet.   

Appliance maintenance 

To extend the life of major appliances (refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers) and the HVAC systems, sump pumps, etc., some landlords rely on the tenant noticing or reporting issues promptly before the situation escalates to include a significant price tag. However, a more reliable option is to ask tenants specific questions that can uncover minor matters early. This maintenance component should also be “routine,” although it differs from the above-mentioned exterior concerns and will follow a different time frame. 

Seasonal maintenance 

Depending on the location of your rental, seasonal property maintenance for landlords will vary. In warm-all-year climates, it may seem as if seasonal maintenance is a non-issue. But that’s a risky approach that can lead to costly repairs or replacements down the road because minor issues that could have been discovered during a “seasonal checkup” were allowed to become major issues. So, regardless of the weather in your locale, use a seasonal calendar to keep tabs on items such as— 

• • • The roof 
    • Window screens 
    • Door and window locks  
    • Exterior vents 
    • Thermostats 
    • Basement or crawl space ventilation 
    • Smoke alarms/fire extinguishers 

Of course, if you own property in the parts of the country that experience below-freezing winter weather, your seasonal list will include: 

• • • Weatherstripping/weatherproofing of doors and windows 
    • Arrangements for snow removal  
    • The wrapping of pipes vulnerable to freezing 
    • Furnace checkups/filter changes 

Maintenance can be a landlord’s greatest ally in a successful rental property venture.  

About Rentals America 

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