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Rental Property Maintenance Checklist Every Landlord Needs

Rental Property Maintenance Checklist

One of the most important responsibilities for landlords is recurring precautionary maintenance. Owners have an obligation to be compliant with health and safety standards enforced by the government. Regular maintenance procedures are the most effective tool in minimizing the risks of significant damages and emergency repairs. In this article, we have compiled a collection of checklists in one convenient place so you can make schedules for the weekly, monthly, seasonal, annual, or emergency maintenance tasks. It will keep your property in perfect health and condition. It contains lists of tasks for weekly, monthly, seasonal, annual, and emergency tasks. It is beneficial not only because it maintains the value of your property, but also because it keeps the tenant satisfied. You can perform all of these tasks by yourself, however, hiring professional agency to do the job for you has numerous benefits like swift problem solution, high-quality work, top-class materials, affordable prices, wide network of reliable contractors, etc.

The Ultimate Guide For Coordinating Maintenance Projects Throughout The Year

Continue reading the article below to find out more about how you can utilize good organization skills and maintenance plan to protect your high-priced investment.

Why Every Landlord Needs A Checklist

Routine upkeep is important because it reduces the risks of major problems with the property and costly emergency repairs. For this reason, it is crucial to have lists which outline scheduled tasks that need to be done. Since rental property owners are obligated to meet specific health and safety standards, checklists are a great and proactive way to keep up with the ongoing tasks and to monitor your property’s condition proactively.

Having a well-thought plan has many advantages. For instance:

  • Reduction in expenses
  • Increased property value
  • High levels of tenant satisfaction and retention
  • Energy efficiency solutions
  • Compliance with legal and safety guidelines

Weekly Maintenance

Weekly upkeep projects refer to handling immediate areas of the property. Here are some examples:

  • Dusting, spot cleaning, picking up trash
  • Cleaning banisters, doors, windows
  • Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping floors
  • Disinfecting common areas (laundry room)
  • Raking leaves, removing debris and branches
  • Shoveling

Spring And Summer Maintenance

With a little planning, all springtime upkeep responsibilities can be conducted quickly and seamlessly.
Below, we have an indoor and outdoor checklist and several tips on curb appeal improvements.

Outdoor tasks

  • Roof inspection – The purpose of a roof is to keep the residents dry and to regulate the temperature, among other things. Check for structural irregularities, the condition of shingles, potential leaks, nail pops, etc. Any issues should be immediately repaired, before larger problems arise.
  • Rain gutters cleaning – Clean the gutters and make sure the water is directed away from the building to prevent serious foundation damage or erosion.
  • Repair and replacement of damaged screens – The condition of screens has to be inspected every year, even though their lifespan is just over 10 years.
  • Door and window locks – Keep your property secure and safe by ensuring all locks function correctly.  
  • Exterior vent cleaning – Check exterior outlets, dryer vents, bathroom vents, and range vents and clean them from debris build-up for proper airflow.
  • Air and HVAC duct cleaning and servicing – You should have the HVAC service before the weather becomes too hot.
  • Building exterior repair – Spring and summer are perfect for a fresh coat of paint or a new siding.

Indoors tasks

  • Emergency alarms testing – As part of your rental property maintenance checklist, don’t forget to test the equipment to make sure it is in perfect working condition. If you own a multi-family property, do not forget to verify alarms in the common areas.
  • Plumbing pipes inspection – Check the plumbing system for damage, irregularities or cracks that could cause significant problems.
  • Thermostat check – It is performed to ensure it is taking accurate readings.
  • Basement ventilation – Suitable ventilation is vital in basement areas, as it prevents mold growth.
  • Attic inspection – Check for signs of damage to beams, roof leaks, mold, or any openings where pests could come inside the building.

Reviving curb appeal

If you want to revamp your curb appeal, try any of the following suggestions:

  • Spot-checking the lawn
  • Aeration and fertilization  
  • Stairs and pathways inspection
  • Porch & deck repairs

Fall And Winter Upkeep Schedule

To make sure your rental building is safe and ready for colder temperatures and harsher weather conditions, take a look at the checklist below.

Fall outdoor maintenance checklist

  • Roof inspection – Checking the roof for potential leaks or damages is important before the winter comes. You need to inspect all the surfaces, including damage to the windows.  
  • Chimney cleaning – Have the professional technicians inspect and clean the chimney before it is used for the season. By conducting regular inspections you will reduce the risks of fires.
  • Gutters – Before the winter comes you should clean the rain gutters thoroughly from leaves and debris.
  • Find snow removal contractor – If your lease doesn’t demand from the tenants to take care of snow and ice removal, then you, as a landlord, have to find a reliable contractor who will be responsible for this task during the winter.
  • Store hoses for the winter – Cold temperatures can cause outside spigots and hoses to freeze and crack. Drain, disconnect and safely store outside hoses and hookups and hoses during the cold months, as cold temperatures can cause cracking and freezing.

Indoor tasks

  • Frozen pipes precautionary measures – To prevent frozen pipes damage, make sure you educate your tenants about prevention measures. If you are located in colder climates, think of adding pipe insulation.
  • Water heater service – Once a year, have a licensed contractor drain and clean the water heater to keep it in good condition.
  • Energy efficiency with ceiling fans – Did you know that you can improve energy efficiency by reversing the direction of ceiling fans? This way warm air is forced back into the room, which means that you will also save on heating bills.
  • Repair possible entry points for rodents & pests – Inspect both the interior and exterior of the property for possible entry points for pests. Provide helpful information to tenants to keep them informed on how not to attract pests.
  • Look for signs of mold – Inspect for mold in wet environments, such as under cabinets, around water heaters, low light corners, and in the basement. Check interior window and door seals, as broken seals can cause cold air leaks and moisture penetrating into your property. Identifying these issues early on will prevent high utility bills and expensive repairs.

Fall maintenance tips

  • Yard cleaning (dead debris removal, leaves removal,
  • Trees and bushes pruning

Annual Maintenance

Below, you can see activities that are advised to be conducted once a year.

Interior maintenance

  • Common areas floor repair
  • Carpet cleaning
  • Mold inspection
  • Emergency alarm inspection
  • Dryer vents cleaning, draining water heater
  • Inspect sprinklers, water heater, appliances, electrical, etc.

Exterior maintenance

  • Verify that fire escapes are functional and clear of obstruction
  • Check siding and roof for damages, crack, or leaks
  • Power wash or paint the siding
  • Loosen the soil underneath your lawn
  • Insulate the soil and garden beds with mulch
  • Fencing repair and painting
  • Get a certificate of compliance from the local building inspector

Emergency & Non-Emergency Repairs

Even though you are diligent about the upkeep of your property, there will still come a time when you will have to deal with an emergency repairs that require immediate attention. Emergency repairs must be handled within 24 hours. Furthermore, non-emergency repairs have to be dealt with within a reasonable amount of time. For example, a dripping faucet must be fixed in under 48 hours.

Emergency repairs

  • Broken heating during winter
  • Lack of drinking or hot water  
  • Bathroom plumbing out of order
  • No electricity
  • Pest and rodent infestation
  • Faulty fire and safety equipment
  • Broken refrigerators (if provided by owners)

Non-emergency repairs

  • Faulty ceiling fans
  • Dripping faucets
  • Loud radiators
  • Squeaking doors 
  • Small appliance issues

How Much Does Property Maintenance Cost?

In order to utilize the checklists effectively, you should also set the budgeting estimates. Knowing how much expenses to expect will give you peace of mind. There are several methods you can use to anticipate what the expenses will be:  

  1. Square footage – This rule says that you will pay at least $1 per square foot, and expect to pay a minimum of $1 per square foot for maintenance annually.
  2. 50% of rental income – According to this method, operating costs equal about half of the total rental income.
  3. 1% of property value  – The 1% method means to expect at least 1% of property’s value per year.  

Final Thoughts About Rental Maintenance

A rental property maintenance checklist serves to help property managers and owners in planning regular precautionary maintenance in order to make sure their property is up to building code standards. In order to maintain the healthy condition of the property and its vital systems, a year-round effort is needed. In addition, by having a properly maintained space, you will preserve the value of the property.

About the Author

David Miller is Real Estate Advisor at Swell Property. Whether you’re eyeing a new home, an investment property, securing the best mortgage, or aiming to enhance your property’s value, my focus is on providing personalized guidance and strategy for your success. I listen to your needs attentively, ensuring that my expertise aligns perfectly with your real estate goals. My clients’ satisfaction and referrals are the true measure of my success in San Diego’s dynamic real estate market. If you’re searching for a real estate professional who’s deeply committed to your success, I’m eager to demonstrate my expertise and win your trust. Let’s connect and start this journey together.

David Miller Real Estate Advisor

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