Owning a rental property can be a lucrative business, but there are certain maintenance items that should never be neglected. From ensuring the safety of those living in the property to maintaining its value, it’s crucial to stay on top of all aspects of ownership. Here are some often-neglected maintenance items that any rental property owner would be wise to keep up with.
1. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
One of the most important—and often overlooked—maintenance items for rental properties is making sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Smoke detectors should be tested once a month, and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested at least twice per year or whenever their batteries need changing.
It’s also beneficial to have hardwired versions installed in addition to battery-powered versions, as they don’t require regular battery changes. Not only will this help keep your tenants safe, but it’ll also help you avoid legal liabilities if an accident were to occur due to faulty detectors.
In addition, if your property is located in an area that experiences extreme temperatures, it’s essential to make sure the detectors are able to function correctly. You may need to invest in additional cooling or heating systems if they can’t handle extreme temperatures.
2. Appliances
Your tenants rely on appliances like refrigerators, stoves, ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines for daily living. As such, it’s essential that these items are kept in good working condition so tenants don’t experience any unexpected downtime when using them.
For instance, you can hire efficient boiler services and ensure it’s operating at peak performance. This will help you avoid the need for expensive repairs or replacements in the long run.
Have the appliances inspected regularly and replace any worn parts or faulty components as soon as possible. This will help ensure your tenants have convenient access to properly functioning devices while helping you save money on costly repairs down the line.
3. Air Conditioning Filters
It’s no secret that air conditioning filters need replacing every few months—at least during peak summer months—but many rental property owners forget about this necessary maintenance item until something breaks down. Be proactive when it comes to air filter replacement, and make sure they’re replaced every 90 days or whenever required, depending on usage levels throughout the year.
This helps maintain clean air quality while reducing the risk of an unexpected breakdown in the middle of summer when temperatures soar. For example, if the filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner may not be able to cool the property efficiently, making for an uncomfortable living environment.
By replacing filters on a consistent basis, you can ensure that your rental property remains cool and comfortable for your tenants all year long.
4. Roof Inspection
The roof is one of the most critical components of any building structure, so it pays to have it inspected periodically by a professional roofer for signs of wear and tear or damage from storms and other extreme weather conditions.
Schedule roof inspections at least once per year and repair any issues immediately upon discovery. This will help prevent more severe problems from occurring later on down the line, which could cost thousands of dollars in repairs or renovations if left unchecked for too long.
Moreover, this will help ensure that your rental property remains safe and secure for all occupants, as a damaged roof can lead to leaks or other structural issues inside the building.
5. Exterior Paint Job
A paint job may seem like an unnecessary expense initially, but neglecting this detail could cost you more money in the long run due to poor curb appeal or potential structural damage caused by moisture exposure over time due to chipped paint or faded colors not providing adequate protection against moisture buildup under siding material like wood or vinyl siding panels.
To avoid costly repairs down the road, invest in a professional paint job every few years or whenever necessary based on weather conditions where your rental property is located. This will help maintain its aesthetic appearance while preserving its value over time.
This will also help in protecting against potential water damage caused by exposure over time due to poor exterior paint coverage levels around window frames. It’s also a good idea to trim any shrubs or trees that are too close to the exterior of the building.
Maintaining a rental property can take considerable effort and resources, but it pays off in spades when done correctly. Not only does proper upkeep ensure tenant satisfaction, but it also preserves your investment’s value over time, so you can maximize profits from your venture without having to worry about costly repairs due to neglected maintenance items such as smoke detectors, windows, and doors, roofs and gutters, and exterior paint jobs. Make sure you inspect all aspects of your rental property regularly so you can address any issues before they become bigger problems!
