About 36 percent of all Americans, or almost 123 million households, rent their home. With home prices increasing, this percentage has crept up in recent years.
This also means the rental property market is more competitive. Property owners and managers must do more to make their rentals as desirable as possible.
One way to do this is to get organized with an annual rental property maintenance checklist. The maintenance guide below includes some recommendations on chores you should do yearly. It also has some advice on staying organized and getting the most out of your investment.
Regular Property Maintenance
What you put on your annual rental property maintenance checklist depends on what tasks you do weekly, monthly, and quarterly. Every week, you should be doing basic cleaning and trash pickup. This includes basic lawn or other outdoor maintenance (if this is not the responsibility of the tenant).
Checking lightbulbs and inspecting HVAC systems should be done every month. This is also a time to look for any issues with the structure of the building or things like clogged gutters. You do not want to get behind on repairs that could turn into more serious problems.
Quarterly or seasonal maintenance might involve cleaning air filters and checking HVAC ducts. During the winter, you might check for damage due to ice, including outdoor faucets. If it is a seasonal rental, you might also winterize your property in preparation for the cold months, and re-open it during the spring.
Annual Maintenance Checklist
By excluding the tasks above, we can drill down on tasks that should be part of an annual checklist. First, do a deeper dive into the condition of your property’s structure.
Look for mold or rot in crawl spaces and check the condition of the insulation. Inspect plumbing and electrical wiring throughout your home.
Annual checkups are a good time to schedule repairs. While you may be doing minor maintenance throughout the year, it is helpful to have a schedule for making improvements to your property. This also allows you to coordinate projects with current or prospective tenants.
Inspect smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. You also might test sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers. Make sure fire escapes are working and clear of any obstruction.
Cleaning the exterior of your property is important as well. Pressure wash siding and check chimneys for deterioration or blockage. Inspect fencing or other outdoor structure for rot or other damage.
During warmer months, you may want to spend some time aerating the lawn and doing other landscaping updates. You also may want to paint any portions of the house that are chipping or fading. Resealing parking areas or driveways can be a major task, but also can go a long way toward increasing the curb appeal of your property.
Find Rental Property Maintenance Near You
Now that you have an annual rental property maintenance checklist, you can ensure that all tasks are taken care of in a timely fashion. With a little organization and planning, the maintenance benefits can help you stay on top of your property’s condition while limiting stress and increasing efficiency.
If you need help maintaining your rental properties, Blue Line Property Management is here to help. We offer a range of services related to every aspect of property management. Reach out to us today to set up a free consultation or to learn more about our services.
