For several single-family Glendale rental property owners, maintenance and repair are regularly seen as a big problem. However, looking at it another way, preventive maintenance is a necessary part of the regular maintenance that your valuable investment needs to achieve the maximum possible return. This applies whether your property is occupied or vacant. Regardless of whether your tenant is responsible for some maintenance tasks, it’s essential that you also conduct certain ongoing maintenance tasks regularly. This is not only an important aspect of responsible property ownership but can also help you attract and retain quality tenants. In this section, we will explain 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 easiest approaches to end up with major repair bills is to neglect your rental property’s plumbing system. Rather, put in effort to conduct annual inspections of all pipes, faucets, drains, and water heaters in the house. Watch out for indications of leaks under cabinets or around the base of toilets, slow drains, and other emerging problems. Don’t rely on your tenant to report every little thing – it’s important to check it yourself. By catching and addressing these issues when they are small, you can prevent expensive water damage and emergency plumbing repairs.
2. HVAC Efficiency
Another critical maintenance task you must be handling is HVAC conservation. Air conditioning units and furnaces need to be serviced at least once a year to be efficient. Ignoring these systems can greatly shorten their lifespan, resulting in expensive replacement bills. Inside the house, check for blocked vents, dirty registers, and other signs that HVAC problems are developing. This can help keep your property’s HVAC unit functioning properly and keep your tenants comfortable year-round.
3. Water Damage Prevention
Another top preventive maintenance task that must be accomplished every year includes preventing water damage to your property. Water damage usually happens due to clogged gutters, roof leaks, poor drainage around the foundation, leaking sprinkler pipes, and so forth. To notice possible issues early, do a visual inspection of your property’s exterior, roof, and grounds. If you see water pooling, stains, or debris, these are all indications 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 critical preventive maintenance tasks is to ensure that safety features are functioning correctly. This includes door and window locks, alarm systems (if your property has one), and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It is a minor thing to replace a deadbolt on an exterior door, but it greatly minimizes risk while also increasing safety.
5. Structural Integrity
Lastly, inspect your property for possible problems with regards to 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 check for any damage to the home’s siding, flashing, and roof to guarantee that it is still weather-proof and visually appealing. If you experience any damage, cracks, or unsightly wear and tear, it’s advisable to have repairs done immediately to keep away from much more serious issues along the way.
Preventive maintenance should always be a priority, not just at move-out or when an emergency arises. However, it can be difficult to remember to execute these and other necessary maintenance tasks every year and as needed. As an alternative, why don’t you employ Real Property Management Vision to manage your preventive maintenance for you? Our Glendale 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 818-233-8789 today!
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