As a property owner, you have a responsibility to ensure your property upkeep is in good condition. How often do you perform inspections of the property? Do you discuss the appliances with your tenants? Do you ask them about pest problems or other concerns? Keeping repair costs down includes focusing on preventative maintenance. Here are five great ways you can reduce maintenance costs at your rental property.
- Check on the Water Heater
One appliance that continues to be ignored is the water heater. How often do you check on the water heater to ensure it’s working efficiently? A water heater normally lasts eight to twelve years with normal use. However, a quality water heater with proper maintenance can last upwards of twenty years. Landlords should perform a yearly water heater check to keep it running effectively. One way to do this is by flushing out the sediment within the water heater. Use this guide to help you learn how to flush a water heater to help it perform more efficiently.
- Clean out the Refrigerator
The fridge is an appliance most people ignore until it stops working. To limit maintenance costs at your rental property, do a yearly check on the fridge. Is there a lot of dust and debris around the fridge? Is it able to properly suck in and blow out air? Cleaning the condenser coils regularly will make a difference in how well the fridge works. Turn off the fridge and use a vacuum cleaner underneath to remove dust, dirt, debris, and other issues that are clogging the coils. Landlords can do this yearly, or you can do it in-between tenants to ensure the fridge is working well. One other thing to check is the seal around the door, is it working well to keep the cool air in and the hot air out?
- Clean the Washer and Dryer
Other appliances that are necessary for proper living are washing and drying machines. Some landlords own several for their tenants to use, while others place them into the units directly. No matter what option you use, it pays to clean out the washer and dryer and ensure they are working well. You can replace the washer hoses every five years to limit the risk of it bursting, causing a serious water issue. Another thing to do is to take out the dryer vent and clean it out to limit the risk of fires.
- Flush the Drains
It doesn’t take much for the pipes to become clogged in a home, Without cleaning the pipes, they can lead to a back-up, and flooding. Flush out the drains with a drain cleaner prior to calling in professionals for drain cleaning services. A property management company does provide additional preventative maintenance services like drain cleaning to limit the risk of flooding.
- Inspect the Roof
The roof is one of the most expensive repairs, so it pays to keep the roof in good condition. Working with a roofing company is a good way to determine the quality of the roof, and if it needs repair or replacement. Some roofs need basic upkeep and maintenance to limit the risk of leaks and other concerns.
Preventative maintenance will save landlords hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars. Keyrenter Property Management in Chattanooga provides maintenance and upkeep services for our clients. Find out how we can help you with your rental property management needs today.