How long has it been since your last rental property maintenance check?
We get it. It can be hard to keep up-to-date on all the things that need to be fixed. It might be that you don’t have time or don’t want to interrupt your current tenant. Sometimes the inherently awkward business relationship can get in the way of making sure all your tenant’s needs are met. It can even be that your tenant is afraid to ask for fixes and changes, too!
But maintenance issues affect your tenant’s quality of life of your and affect the success of your property now and in the future. Minimizing or ignoring maintenance issues can cause lasting property damage and disruption to your tenant and homeowner relationship.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. Maintaining your local rental property doesn’t have to be difficult — we’ve compiled a list of five rental home elements that you should routinely check on your rental property. Make a list and check out these things in your properties this month!
1. Mold
Mold can be a serious problem, but it can also sneak up quickly. Mold damages your property and is hazardous to people’s health — and it stinks! You can’t afford to let this type of problem wait. First, take preventative measures. These are key to protecting your investment from mold and mildew. Be sure to frequently make time with your tenants to enter their residence and check for mold in any areas that might be prone to moisture. If you do see mold, make sure you’re following proper procedures for illuminating it. Don’t be afraid to call in an expert, if needed, too.
2. Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
This might be one of the most important items to check frequently. Rental property fires are common and often simple, small changes can prevent these devastating fires from happening. Ignoring maintenance on these devices can risk others’ lives and also the property as a whole.
You should first make sure you have adequate fire and carbon monoxide detectors, per state law requirements. It’s a great idea to put fire detectors in all common areas and bedrooms. Make sure to then regularly check all detectors. Create a plan with your tenant to check that they’re working correctly and have fully charged batteries.
3. Hot Water
No one wants to take cold showers every day. Ample access to hot water is necessary to keep the relationship between you and your tenants amicable. Check-in with your tenants regularly, and comply with regularly scheduled maintenance on your water heating device in order to protect your tenant relationship — and your investment.
4. Pests
Each season brings another opportunity for pests to find themselves inside. It’s important to note that pests aren’t always the fault of a tenant. Someone can have the most sparkling clean and tidy home but still be affected by vermin. Cold, rainy weather can draw mice indoors, especially if there are small holes or cracks in walls. Ants and wasps can also find a new home in your resident through small holes.
In order to minimize this risk, contact your tenant and make a plan for consistent pest prevention and address any issues as they arise.
5. Small annoyances
Small annoyances may seem — well — small, but these little things can add up. However, these kinds of small annoyances are what define the time a tenant lives on your property. Work to build a comfortable relationship that allows your tenant to effectively communicate needs to you — such as these small annoyances that can impact their quality of life.
If you’re thinking about renting your property in the Hampton, Dover or Portsmith area, the experts at PMI Green Rock are here to streamline your process and protect your investment alongside you. We partner with homeowners of all types and locations in order to create the most beneficial outcome possible. Your home is an investment — and we are here to help it be as marketable as possible. Give us a call at (603) 605-8425.
