Simple Preventative Maintenance Services that Save Money Long Term
Owning rental properties is an investment, and if you wish to see the biggest return on that investment, it’s important to maintain the property and ensure it stays in good shape. A poorly cared for rental home may remain vacant for longer and fixing damaged plumbing, electrical or HVAC systems could end up costing much more than the property is worth. Landlords that subscribe to reactive maintenance, and only fix issues after a tenant begs for help, will probably suffer many consequences long term. However, by adopting a preventative maintenance routine, you can become aware of any potential problems long before any major trouble develops. A simple yearly or bi-annual walk through of your rental unit is often all it takes to make sure your tenants are satisfied and your repair costs remain manageable. Preventive maintenance tasks become even more cost effective when you own properties where utilities are included in rent. At DKRentals.net, we have helped many Atlanta area property owners keep their residential and commercial rental units well maintained. Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about what preventative actions can be taken to keep expensive and unnecessary repairs at bay. When conducting an inspection of your properties, be sure to check for the following.
Nothing can run up utility bills faster than a failing heating and air conditioning system. Keeping an eye on the health of your HVAC system is not only necessary for cutting costs, but a failing unit can put your tenants at risk during the sweltering summer months or freezing winter temperatures. During your maintenance check, replace the air filter, clear out the condensate drain and switch out the humidifier filter at least once a year. You’ll also want to make sure that the soil or concrete underneath the outdoor AC unit is level and undamaged and keep debris like pollen, overgrown grass or leaves away from the area.
Roof
Ignoring roof issues can cause significant property damage over time. Thankfully, with routine maintenance checks, you can take control and ensure that your roof stays in great shape. Carefully climb on the roof and look around at the shingles. Look for signs of discoloration due to algae growth, missing tiles or sunken areas. Use a broom to gently sweep off any leaves, dirt or other debris. Be careful not to scrub the roof too hard, as you could weaken the tiles. If you find any loose tiles use roofing cement to tack it back down, this will prevent the wind from removing the tile completely. Check flashing and rubber seals around vents for gaps or damage. If you notice multiple loose tiles or other issues, you may need to budget a roofing repair or replacement service to ensure the property’s structure remains in good condition.
Plumbing
When a home’s plumbing system isn’t working properly, you risk water damage and sewage backups. By monitoring your plumbing, you can detect any issues right away and make sure that problems are taken care of before they create more trouble. On your maintenance inspection, look for any signs of leaks from drains, pipes, toilets, garbage disposals and hoses. Inspect your Water Heater thoroughly to ensure all components are functioning properly and check for signs of a corroding tank. Clean out all drains including all sinks, tubs and toilets. If your property has a septic system, you’ll want to regularly schedule a tank cleaning and pumping from a reliable company. The frequency of your septic services will depend on the size of the tank and how many people are living in the house. You might also consider getting a professional inspection from a trustworthy plumber between tenants.
Electrical
While many maintenance tasks can be easily performed by a property owner, electrical inspections and repairs should be left to the professionals. There’s no reason to risk electrocution or an electrical fire. Every few years, or between tenants, invest in an electrician who can provide an inspection and check for faulty wiring or damaged circuits.
