The annual maintenance of a rental property can often cost up to 1% of the property itself, if not more. This can eat into your profits, so you should be aware of everything you need to stay up-to-date on for that rental. So, what do you need to check on a yearly basis and why?
The following are the best maintenance tips we can give you, and suggestions of the areas you should check during an inspection. As you read through, make sure you add them to your list of things you plan to look into to stay ahead of the game.
Remember to Document Everything
Before you even start looking at the property, you should ensure you have the ability to make records of everything both good and bad.
Start a maintenance checklist, take photos, and write down the state of all items. This will make sure you can refer to them if things end up damaged later down the line.
Maintain the Lawn and Garden
Cut the grass, trim the hedges, and ensure the plants are healthy.
Also check any artificial installations, such as decking or pathways, to make sure they are not damaged.
Touch Up Paint
Look through the property and ensure there are no chips or cracks in the paint. If there are, paint over any issues.
You should keep a swatch of the different paint colors you use for reference.
Inspect the Window and Door Seals
As you check through the house, make sure there are no drafts through windows or doors.
These can not only cause issues for tenants but may cause damage over time with frozen pipes and other problems.
Check the Electric Outlets and Wiring
Inspect each outlet to ensure it is safe. Also, check any visible wiring is not frayed or damaged.
Wiring maintenance can make sure your tenants will not come to harm.
Test the Smoke Detectors
Make sure the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work. You can test the smoke detector with a blown-out match or candle, but a CO detector needs a piece of specialist equipment.
Also, make sure you change the batteries in these once every six months.
Service the Air Conditioning
If the building comes with air conditioning, check it is free of dust and grime. Also, make sure it works as expected and that its filters are clean.
If you engage with a property manager, they can get you in contact with service people that can do this job for you.
Inspect the Roof and Gutters
Look over the roof and gutters of the rental property to ensure there are no blockages, no damage to the roof, and nothing living in them.
Roof maintenance can be costly if you leave it to fall apart, so this is very important.
Handling Annual Maintenance
These are things you need to handle with annual maintenance. If you do not have time for this, there are companies who can step in for you instead. Lucky for you, we are able to do exactly that.
We provide property management services for people looking to engage in both short- and long-term leasing. Our experts in Salt Lake City properties can also talk to you about any unique situations you might need to be handled. All you need to do is get in contact and we can start you on your journey.
