Are your property owner responsibilities mounting up quickly? Do you want to expand your real estate portfolio with more rental properties?
You simply can't successfully invest in these types of rental properties without experienced property management by your side.
Property managers are skilled in a number of duties, one of the most critical being property maintenance.
Not only does good maintenance protocol help you avoid city compliance issues and fines, but it's crucial for mitigating tenant problems, resulting in better tenant relations and lower turnover. These positives generate more rental income, helping you grow your real estate portfolio even more.
Let's take a closer look at how a property management company can help.
Keeping a Clean Rental Property
Tenants are responsible for keeping their own units clean. However, this doesn't mean they're always keeping shared common areas neat and tidy.
These areas include:
- Apartment hallways
- Lobbies
- Backyards
- Stoops
- The surrounding area around your property
These areas quickly fill up with dirt, debris, broken glass, and abandoned items like boxes of junk. Property managers ensure these areas are kept clean, free from any materials that cause injury.
If your rental properties have shared backyards, you'll need a property manager to perform occasional pruning, repairs, and dead or diseased tree removal. Dead trees, in particular, are a health and safety hazard. Property managers hire reputable local services that quickly attend to these issues.
Property Maintenance Keeps Critters Out
Pest control also falls under tidy real estate maintenance. Pest control issues are also indicative of other problems.
Triggering issues include:
- Old roofing
- Water damage and leaks
- Old siding
- Crumbling foundation
- Humidity control problems
- Clogged gutters
Pests love hot, damp areas. Any openings from housing damage make it easier for pests and critters to sneak in. You also need a property manager to stay on the lookout for termite damage.
Similar to tree removal services, property managers work with top-rated pest control services to eliminate pests quickly. They also hire experienced roofing contractors to repair (or replace) roofing, gutters, and siding.
HVAC Maintenance
Functional heating and cooling systems are paramount to tenants' quality of life, especially when sweltering summers and frigid winters roll around. You need a property manager to promptly repair any HVAC issues. Poor HVAC systems also lead to costly humidity control problems that cause mold.
HVAC maintenance also includes the following duties:
- Thermostat replacements
- Air filter changes
- Refrigerant leak prevention
- Part replacements (fan blowers, condensers, coils, etc.)
- Drain line maintenance
- Heat pump inspection
Property managers work with local HVAC companies to ensure heating and cooling systems are functioning properly, cutting down on tenant maintenance requests.
Property managers also ensure HVAC systems are up-to-date to avoid energy waste, and consequently, high utility bills. Old HVAC units and furnaces overwork themselves, producing little output. Air ducts and furnaces must be routinely cleaned to maintain good indoor air quality, as well.
Keep this Starter Maintenance Guide Handy
Bookmark this starter property maintenance checklist to help make a plan of action for your rental property. Property managers go above and beyond to ensure a reliable rental income stream.
Are you ready to hire a property management company right now?
Contact us today to learn more about our management services and enjoy a free rental analysis.
