For many single-family Blackfoot rental property owners, maintenance and repair are generally viewed as a big burden. But if you look at it from the other side, preventive maintenance is a necessary part of the ongoing responsibility that your valuable investment needs to maximize the possible return. This is true whether your property is occupied or vacant. Even though your tenant is responsible for a few maintenance tasks, it’s vital that you also perform certain ongoing maintenance tasks regularly. Doing so is not only an essential component of responsible property ownership but can also help you attract and retain quality tenants. In this article, we’ll talk about 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 fastest ways to end up with significant repair bills is to neglect your rental property’s plumbing system. As an alternative, allocate time to perform annual inspections of all pipes, faucets, drains, and water heaters in the house. Pay attention to any signs of leaks under cabinets or around the base of toilets, slow drains, and other risk factors. Never rely on your tenant to report every little thing – it’s essential to check it yourself. By catching and addressing these issues when they are minor, you can prevent expensive water damage and emergency plumbing repairs.
2. HVAC Efficiency
Another imperative maintenance task you must be conducting is HVAC maintenance. Air conditioning units and furnaces need to be serviced at least once a year to stay efficient. Disregarding these systems can dramatically shorten their lifespan, resulting in expensive replacement bills. Inside the house, check for blocked vents, dirty registers, and other warnings that HVAC complications are developing. This can help keep your property’s HVAC unit functioning smoothly and keep your tenants comfortable year-round.
3. Water Damage Prevention
One more top preventive maintenance task that needs to be performed each year involves preventing water damage to your property. Water damage is common as a result of clogged gutters, roof leaks, poor drainage around the foundation, leaking sprinkler pipes, and other causes. To catch potential problems early, do a visual inspection of your property’s exterior, roof, and grounds. If you notice water pooling, stains, or debris, these are all signs 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 as well. One of the most vital preventive maintenance tasks is to guarantee 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 reduces risk and increases safety at the same time.
5. Structural Integrity
Ultimately, investigate your property for prospective concerns when it comes to structural integrity. This could be as easy as performing a visual inspection for signs of termite damage and cracks in the foundation. It is also important to inspect for any damage to the home’s siding, flashing, and roof to confirm that it is still weather-proof and visually appealing. If you encounter any damage, cracks, or unsightly wear and tear, it’s ideal to have repairs done immediately to avoid even bigger problems developing down the road.
Preventive maintenance is something you should be doing all of the time, not just at move-out or when an emergency arises. However, it can be hard to remember to complete these and other important maintenance tasks every year and as required. Preferably, why not hire Real Property Management Pocatello to deal with your preventive maintenance for you? Our Blackfoot property managers have the experience and expertise to keep your property in good condition year after year. To learn more about our resources, contact us online or call us at 208-234-1000 today!
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