For numerous single-family Buhl rental property owners, maintenance and repair are frequently considered a great inconvenience. However, if you look on the other side, preventive maintenance is a necessary part of the ongoing care that your valuable investment needs in order to get the best possible return. This is true regardless of whether your property is occupied or vacant. Even though your tenant is responsible for other maintenance tasks, you also need to conduct particular ongoing maintenance tasks regularly. This is not only an important element of proper property ownership but can also help you attract and retain quality tenants. In the following, we will review 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
Perhaps the fastest way to end up with significant repair bills is to neglect your rental property’s plumbing system. Instead, take your time to carry out annual inspections of all pipes, faucets, drains, and water heaters in the house. Observe for symptoms of leaks under cabinets or around the base of toilets, slow drains, and other growing problems. Don’t rely on your tenant to report every specific thing – you must 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
One more most significant maintenance task you should do is HVAC maintenance. Air conditioning units and furnaces need to be serviced at least once a year to remain efficient. Overlooking these systems can particularly shorten their lifespan, which leads to expensive replacement bills. Inside the house, check for blocked vents, dirty registers, and other warnings that HVAC problems are developing. This can help keep your property’s HVAC unit functioning normally and keep your tenants comfortable year-round.
3. Water Damage Prevention
Another top preventive maintenance task that should be completed each year involves preventing water damage to your property. Water damage often occurs due to clogged gutters, roof leaks, poor drainage around the foundation, leaking sprinkler pipes, and so on. 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. One of the most critical preventive maintenance tasks involves making sure that safety features are functioning smoothly. 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
In conclusion, check your property for possible drawbacks with your structural integrity. This could be as simple as doing a visual inspection for signs of termite damage and cracks in the foundation. You should also examine for any damage to the home’s siding, flashing, and roof to safeguard that it is still weather-proof and visually appealing. If you suffer from any damage, cracks, or unsightly wear and tear, it is preferable to have repairs done immediately to prevent even greater difficulties afterward.
Preventive maintenance is something you should stay on top of all of the time, not only at move-out or when an emergency arises. However, it can be challenging to remember how to perform these and other necessary maintenance tasks every year and when it is required. Alternatively, why don’t you hire Real Property Management Magic Valley to handle your preventive maintenance for you? Our Buhl 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 208-734-4001 today!
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