As a landlord, you have a lot on your plate. Between screening and finding ideal tenants, collecting rent, and handling repairs, there’s not always time to stay current on every little detail. That’s why it’s essential to have a thorough rental property maintenance checklist to help keep you organized and on track. This checklist will help you stay on top of some necessary repairs and preventive maintenance tasks to ensure your property remains in good shape.
Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
As a landlord, you are responsible for ensuring your rental property is safe for your tenants, which includes installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The law requires smoke detectors in rental properties in almost every state and carbon monoxide detectors in 27 states. Therefore, landlords must test each detector monthly and replace the batteries as needed. They should also plan what tenants should do if the alarm goes off, including procedures like evacuating the building.
Maintain the HVAC System
A landlord’s rental property’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is responsible for keeping tenants comfortable. Therefore, landlords must keep their HVAC system maintenance up to date.
Landlords should have the HVAC serviced by a professional at least once a year. Additionally, they should change the filters monthly and keep the area around the unit clean and clear of debris. By taking these steps, landlords can help prolong the life of their HVAC system and avoid costly repairs.
Inspect & Clean Gutters
Gutters are essential to a rental property’s exterior as they help protect the building from water damage. Therefore, landlords must inspect and clean gutters regularly, especially before the rainy season begins.
Landlords must remove all debris, such as leaves and twigs, to clean their gutters properly. Once the gutters are clear, they can rinse them with a hose to remove any remaining dirt or residue. If any cracks or holes are present, landlords should repair them as soon as possible to save time and money, as these can lead to costly bills or water damage.
Check the Roof
Roofing is another critical element to remember on a rental property maintenance checklist. Landlords should inspect the roof regularly for any damage, such as missing or loose shingles.
Moss is common on roofs and can lead to leaks. Landlords can use a pressure washer with a detergent attachment to remove any growth or take steps to prevent it from growing.
Check for Pests
Pests can cause severe damage to rental properties and pose health hazards to tenants. Landlords must check for pests inside and outside of the home regularly.
If landlords discover pests, they can take the following actions:
- Remove any food sources that may be attracting pests.
- Seal up any cracks or holes where pests may be entering the home.
- Call a professional to remove the pests and prevent them from returning.
Inspect Landscaping
The landscaping around a rental property makes the first impression on tenants and can impact its curb appeal. To keep the landscaping looking its best, landlords should regularly inspect it for any issues, such as overgrown vegetation or dead plants. They can trim hedges and bushes, pull weeds, and rake up leaves regularly. Additional tasks include mowing the lawn and watering plants, as needed.
By taking these steps, landlords will ensure their rental property has a neat and well-maintained appearance.
Complete These Property Maintenance Tasks Today
These tasks will help landlords maintain their rental properties, keep them up-to-date, and prevent costly repairs in the future. Above all, landlords should regularly inspect all areas of their properties for any potential issues and take care of them promptly.
Routine maintenance is essential to being a successful landlord, so make it a priority!
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