It’s important for landlords to keep their properties in good shape. Not only as a legal requirement, but in good practice. However, it can be quite difficult to develop an efficient system for maintenance throughout the year. Here are some of our rental property maintenance tips for landlords.
Management or DIY?
Whilst both options have their pros and cons, onboarding a management company who have their own trusted list of contractors may save some time. DIY is more cost-effective but a mistake or misunderstanding may make the situation a lot more costly in the long term.
Carry Out Pre-Tenancy Checks
To avoid disputes regarding the state of the home at the end of the tenancy, it’s best to carry out pre-tenancy checks and take inventory with pictures. This is especially important for longer tenancies. Take the time out to carry both of these procedures.
Educate New & Existing Tenants
Before your new tenants moves in, its important to provide them with an information pack that clearly outlines the basic things they should do in order to prevent damage to the property.
As an example, ensuring they know how to properly care for appliances and clean a fabric sofa if your rental is furnished. Many tenants may not be aware of how to care for things such as large soft furnishings or appliances, especially if its their first time renting.
Intervene Early On
As a landlord it’s important to be prompt when a tenant reports a problem. Delaying intervention could make matters worse and expensive. If a tenant reports a fault, or if you notice one during an inspection, make sure that you fix it immediately. Make sure that you pay particular attention to the property during the winter months, as this is the time during which many of the most damaging problems can arise.
Build Relationships with Contractors
You probably won’t be able to conduct all the maintenance yourself, especially when it comes to electrical systems and plumbing. This means that you need to find the right contractors. Be sure to shop around if you don’t get any personal recommendations. Building solid working relationships can be very beneficial in the long-run. If you have multiple properties, its a great way of streamlining your maintenance processes.
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Read our previous blog post here: How to Take Amazing Real Estate Photos