For several single-family Wayzata rental property owners, maintenance and repair are mostly seen as a huge responsibility. But if you look at it from the flip side, preventive maintenance is a necessary part of the continuous obligation that your valuable investment needs in order to take full advantage of the potential return. This particularly true whether your property is occupied or vacant. Even though your tenant is responsible for some maintenance tasks, it’s critical that you also perform certain ongoing maintenance tasks regularly. Doing so is not only a major element of responsible property ownership but can also help you attract and retain quality tenants. In what follows, we will analyze 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 quickest ways to end up with major repair bills is to neglect your rental property’s plumbing system. Preferably, set a schedule to conduct annual inspections of all pipes, faucets, drains, and water heaters in the house. Watch for any indications of leaks under cabinets or around the base of toilets, slow drains, and other associated complications. Do not 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 little, you can prevent expensive water damage and emergency plumbing repairs.
2. HVAC Efficiency
Another essential maintenance task you should be accomplishing is HVAC maintenance. Air conditioning units and furnaces need to be serviced at least once a year to stay efficient. Ignoring these systems can severely shorten their lifespan, resulting in expensive replacement bills. Inside the house, check for blocked vents, dirty registers, and other warnings that HVAC issues are developing. This can help maintain your property’s HVAC unit functioning greatly and keep your tenants comfortable year-round.
3. Water Damage Prevention
One more top preventive maintenance task that needs to be executed per year involves preventing water damage to your property. Water damage is commonly caused by clogged gutters, roof leaks, poor drainage around the foundation, leaking sprinkler pipes, and so on. To notice potential problems early, do a visual inspection of your property’s exterior, roof, and grounds. If you found water pooling, stains, or debris, these are all warnings of impending water damage and should be addressed immediately.
4. Safety
Your tenant’s safety is a top concern for them and you, the property owner, as well. One of the most vital preventive maintenance tasks is to guarantee that safety features are functioning properly. This includes door and window locks, alarm systems (if your property has one), and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It is a slight adjustment to replace a deadbolt on an exterior door, but it helps reduce risk while also increasing safety.
5. Structural Integrity
Finally, review your property for future problems with your structural integrity. This could be as easy as doing a visual inspection for signs of termite damage and cracks in the foundation. You also need to inspect for any damage to the home’s siding, flashing, and roof to make sure that it is still weather-proof and visually appealing. If you see any damage, cracks, or unsightly wear and tear, it’s ideal to have repairs done immediately to avoid even larger issues soon.
Preventive maintenance is something you ought to do constantly, not just at move-out or when an emergency arises. However, it can be hard to remember to fulfill these and other necessary maintenance tasks every year and as needed. Another option is to hire Real Property Management Viking to take care of your preventive maintenance for you. Our Wayzata 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 612-442-8850 today!
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