We are entering a red-hot summer real estate season, so it’s time to consider your rental property maintenance. It can be a hassle to stay on top of these endless to-do lists to upkeep your properties, but the alternative can be much worse. Fixing a simple leaky faucet might not be your idea of a fun Sunday afternoon, but your tenants will thank you, and the value of your property will increase. Consider these tips as you make your list for home maintenance this month.
Safety Is Key
While this does encapsulate changing and maintaining locks on all doors and windows, the idea of safety for your rental property runs much deeper. Ensuring that the entire property is well maintained and safe for tenants is essential and keeps you out of any tiresome legal battles. Boost your property’s value by keeping an eye on any water leaks, unsafe walkways, worn-down wiring, and potential safety hazards.
Curb Appeal
Enhancing curb appeal can entice more prospective tenants to view your property and will allow you to increase the value of your property overall. Consider which responsibilities should fall to you or the tenants. Lawn care is a tricky topic, but it is generally believed tenants in residential areas with lawn equipment space should be responsible. In most other situations, it will be the landowner’s responsibility to maintain. Different ways to increase your property’s curb appeal include a paint job, sealing driveways, upgrading the foliage (a.k.a. planting some blooming flowers), and keeping the exterior clean.
Home Improvements
Rental properties often require more upkeep and maintenance than other real estate investments due to the frequent turnover of tenants. The general wear-and-tear that comes from this means that your property simply needs a little more love. Whether these home improvement projects are up to you or your property management team, here are some quick and easy ways to keep your property in prime condition:
- Recaulk your bathrooms, showers, and any loose tiles
- Replace air filters
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Do a pest check, and identify any problem areas
- Walk through the property and identify any water damage
Rental properties will never be completely hands-off, but the rewards are immeasurable. Implement these tips this summer, and you’ll be surprised how much it will boost your property value. If you are worried about managing multiple properties or taking on big maintenance projects, we can help with that burden. As always, contact us here if you’d like help managing your rental property or would like more tips on property maintenance!
