For various single-family Fenton rental property owners, maintenance and repair are regularly recognized as a big annoyance. But looking at it another way, preventive maintenance is a necessary part of the continuous care that your valuable investment needs to secure the biggest possible return. This is real whether your property is occupied or vacant. Even though your tenant is responsible for some maintenance tasks, it’s essential that you also conduct certain ongoing maintenance tasks regularly. Doing so is not only an essential part of responsible property ownership but can also help you attract and retain quality tenants. In what follows, we’ll discuss the top 5 preventive maintenance tasks that you (not your tenant) should be doing to keep your cash flows in the black.
1. Plumbing System
One of the most immediate ways to end up with significant repair bills is to neglect your rental property’s plumbing system. Alternatively, find time to achieve annual inspections of all pipes, faucets, drains, and water heaters in the house. Look for warnings of leaks under cabinets or around the base of toilets, slow drains, and other occurring problems. Don’t rely on your tenant to report every little thing – you need to check it yourself. By catching and addressing these issues when they are small, you can prevent expensive water damage and emergency plumbing repairs.
2. HVAC Efficiency
Another very significant maintenance task you should be working on is HVAC preservation. Air conditioning units and furnaces need to be serviced at least once a year to stay efficient. Abandoning these systems can easily shorten their lifespan, resulting in expensive replacement bills. Inside the house, check for blocked vents, dirty registers, and other indications that HVAC obstacles are developing. This can help keep your property’s HVAC unit functioning well and keep your tenants comfortable year-round.
3. Water Damage Prevention
Another top preventive maintenance task that must be done each year includes preventing water damage to your property. Water damage frequently transpires due to clogged gutters, roof leaks, poor drainage around the foundation, leaking sprinkler pipes, etc. To detect hidden issues early, execute a visual inspection of your property’s exterior, roof, and grounds. If you see water pooling, stains, or debris, these are all types of impending water damage and should be addressed immediately.
4. Safety
Your tenant’s safety is a top concern for them and you as the property owner. One of the most important preventive maintenance tasks is to ensure that safety features are functioning appropriately. This includes door and window locks, alarm systems (if your property has one), and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It is a small thing to replace a deadbolt on an exterior door, but it significantly lessens risk and enhances safety all at once.
5. Structural Integrity
Ultimately, monitor your property for potential problems with your structural integrity. This could be as easy as doing a visual inspection for signs of termite damage and cracks in the foundation. You must also inspect for any damage to the home’s siding, flashing, and roof to guarantee that it is still weather-proof and visually appealing. If you face any damage, cracks, or unsightly wear and tear, it’s best to have repairs done immediately to evade more significant issues developing down the road.
Preventive maintenance should always be a priority for you, not only at move-out or when an emergency arises. However, it can be challenging to remember to complete these and other essential maintenance tasks every year and as required. Instead, why not hire a Real Property Management Specialist to undertake your preventive maintenance for you? Our Fenton property managers have the experience and expertise to keep your property in good condition year after year. To learn more about our services, contact us online or call us at 314-931-0300 today!
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