Owning a rental property is a big undertaking. It may provide a steady income stream, but it also requires the ability to handle unexpected issues like maintenance, repairs, and pests. Whether you’re currently renting out an apartment in Scottsdale or renting a home in Kansas City with plans of managing more properties for other homeowners or you plan on buying a home in Albuquerque to use as a vacation rental, you can learn how to optimize your rental property maintenance to create quality properties for your tenants.
To help you in taking your rental property maintenance to the next level, ApartmentGuide reached out to a myriad of home service businesses to compile a list of 28 expert tips to keep you and your renters happy. Read on to learn more.
1. Stay on top of any potential water damage
Always be on the lookout for water damage that could lead to more expensive repairs down the road. “Remind renters and tenants to immediately report water-related problems like leaks, condensation, or musty smells,” says Protegrity Restoration, a water damage restoration company located in Tampa and Orlando, Florida. “Also, a reliable restoration company’s contact information should be readily available for emergencies.”
2. Get yearly inspections on your pipes, water heaters, and fixtures
One of the keys to good rental property maintenance is staying up to date on inspections. “Have a licensed plumber inspect pipes, water heaters, and fixtures annually to identify potential issues before they become bigger problems. Also, show renters how to locate and use individual unit water shut-off valves for quick action during leaks,” recommends Grable Plumbing & Air, a plumbing and air company based in Tampa, Florida.
3. Instruct your tenants on proper disposal practices
Take care of your disposals by priming your tenants on maintenance. “Provide tenants with guidelines on proper disposal practices (e.g., no grease, food scraps, or wipes down drains). Make sure to also schedule routine drain cleaning to prevent major clogs, especially in shared laundry rooms or kitchens,” advises Denny’s Plumbing Service, a plumbing company based in Clearwater, Florida.
4. Hire a leak detection company if you suspect leaks
Instead of tearing down the walls to check, talk to a leak detection company if you think you have a leak. “Hire a leak detection company that uses non-invasive technologies like thermal imaging, acoustic sensors, and infrared cameras to locate leaks without causing damage to walls, floors, or ceilings. These methods can pinpoint leaks accurately, saving time and reducing the need for costly repairs,” says Ace Leak Detection & Video, a leak detection company based in New Port Richey, Florida
5. Update your electrical hardware to prevent shock
Both you and your tenants wouldn’t appreciate a nasty shock. “Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for outdoor, bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room outlets to prevent electrical shock,” shares Court Electrical Service, an electrical service based in Dunedin, Florida.
6. Equip your property with a backup generator
No one wants to be without power for long. “Consider installing backup generators or battery systems for essential services during power outages,” recommends Dadz Electrical Services, an electrical services business based in Lynnwood, WA.
7. Use an energy-efficient HVAC system
When working on your rental property maintenance, opt for energy-efficient appliances. “Choose durable, energy-efficient HVAC systems that are ideal for multi-family properties. High SEER-rated units can lower energy costs and improve renter satisfaction,” says Veterans AC & Heat, an AC repair company based in Dunedin, Florida.
8. Update your thermostat
You can also update your thermostat to make it energy-efficient, too. “Install energy-efficient thermostats for better temperature control and to help reduce energy bills,” suggests Air 24/7, an AC repair company in Tampa, Florida.
9. Service HVAC systems twice a year
Proper HVAC maintenance will prevent any massive repairs down the road. “Ensure HVAC systems are serviced at least twice a year — before summer and winter. This includes checking filters, cleaning coils, and inspecting air ducts,” says Trust Heating & Air, an AC repair service local to Loganville, Georgia.
10. Experiment with soft washing
A neat tip for your rental property maintenance is to try soft washing instead of pressure washing. “High-pressure washing can damage shingles or roofing materials. Opt for soft washing, which uses low-pressure techniques and cleaning solutions (that are eco-friendly!),” recommends Hydra Clean NW, a cleaning service in the Lynwood and Seattle, Washington area.
11. Tackle pest issues promptly
Get ahead of adding another thing to your rental property maintenance checklist by responding quickly to reports of pests. “Respond promptly to tenant reports of pests to prevent infestations from spreading to other units. Work with a pest control professional to identify and treat the source of the problem,” shares Drive-Bye Exterminators, a pest control company in Clearwater, Florida
12. Reduce moisture in your units to keep out pests
Some pests love to breed in damp spaces. “Fix leaking pipes and clogged drains promptly, as pests like cockroaches and silverfish thrive in damp areas. Use dehumidifiers in basements or crawl spaces to reduce excess moisture,” advises James River Pest Solutions, a pest control company in Glen Allen, Virginia.
13. Clean out any standing water outside your units
Puddles can actually cause some problems around your units. “Remove standing water in outdoor areas, such as puddles or clogged gutters, to prevent mosquito breeding,” shares OMNI Pest Solutions, a pest control company in St. Louis, Missouri.
14. Use a dehumidifier in the garage
Keep your stored items safe from damage. “Install dehumidifiers in garages to prevent mold or rust. Use overhead storage solutions to keep items off the floor and safe from potential water damage,” recommends The Smarter Garage, a garage storage service based in Tampa, Florida.
15. Keep detailed records of each unit’s appliances
Knowledge is power when it comes to scheduling rental property maintenance. “Maintain a detailed inventory of each unit’s appliances, including brand, model, and installation date. This information helps when you need to call an appliance repair company for repairs or maintenance,” adds Atlanta Appliance, an appliance repair company in Loganville, Georgia.
16. Hire a professional for major appliance issues
It’s tempting to try and fix things yourself, but sometimes calling a professional can be in your best interest. “Avoid DIY fixes for major appliance issues yourself unless you’re qualified. Incorrect repairs can void warranties and cause further damage. Always hire licensed appliance repair professionals for significant repairs,” says Gulf Coast Appliances, an appliance repair company serving Clearwater, Largo, and St. Petersburg, Florida.
17. Fix outside damage to keep out animals
Prevent pests by patching any entry points they can use. “Address roof damage, loose shingles, or damaged siding quickly, as they can be entry points for animals. Fix broken screens, vents, or holes caused by wildlife to prevent future entry,” adds World Class Wildlife Removal, a wildlife removal service for homeowners in Largo, Clearwater, Tampa, Sarasota, Lakeland, and St. Petersburg, Florida.
18. Call a wildlife professional if you have bats
Check with professionals before attempting to remove bats yourself. “If bats are present, work with licensed wildlife professionals to safely and legally remove them. Many bat species are protected and require specific handling,” recommends Covenant Wildlife, a wildlife removal service in Sterrett and Birmingham, Alabama.
19. Educate tenants on carpet maintenance tips
Renters want to keep their space clean, too, so provide some tips for them on taking care of the carpets. “Provide renters with simple carpet maintenance tips, such as vacuuming weekly, blotting spills instead of rubbing, and avoiding harsh chemicals,” says Professional Carpet Systems, a home cleaning service in Dunedin, Florida.
20. Use a screen and recoat service for your floors if they’re in need of repair
Hold off on a full restoration and try a screen and recoat first. “If your property’s wood or laminate floors look like they need restoration, consider a screen and recoat service instead of a full restoration. This quick, dustless process can refresh your floors in just one day,” shares Amarillo DryCarpet and Cleaning Services, a home and carpet cleaning service in Amarillo, Texas.
21. Add amenities to common spaces
Attract new and retain current renters by implementing new amenities into your common spaces. “Renovate shared spaces like lobbies, laundry rooms, and common areas to enhance renter experience and increase property value. Add amenities like package lockers, bike storage, or fitness areas to attract new renters,” suggests Georgia Home Remodeling, a construction company based in Bethlehem, Georgia.
22. Inspect concrete quality regularly
The last thing you’d want to deal with is one of your tenants injuring themselves on unmaintained concrete. “Inspect concrete walkways, stairs, and driveways regularly for cracks, uneven surfaces, or trip hazards. Address issues promptly with repairs or resurfacing to maintain safety and comply with local codes,” says Concrete Ninja, a concrete services business in Monroe, GA.
23. Evaluate roofs for any storm damage
If a big storm has just come through, check your properties for any damage. “After storms, inspect the roof for damage like loose shingles, punctures, or pooling water on flat roofs. Address storm damage promptly to avoid long-term issues,” recommends Done Right Roofing, a roofing company in Tampa Bay and Palm Harbor, Florida.
24. Install smart irrigation controllers
Save money and reduce waste with smart irrigation controllers. “Install smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions. These systems reduce water waste and lower utility costs while keeping landscapes healthy,” advises Sunrise Irrigation & Sprinklers, a sprinkler repair company serving Tampa, Largo, New Port Richey, and Sarasota, Florida.
25. Keep drainage systems clean
Checking that your drainage systems are clean is an essential on any rental property maintenance checklist. “Clear debris from existing drainage systems, including grates, pipes, and basins, to ensure they function correctly. Schedule professional inspections annually to identify and resolve potential clogs or damage,” says Sunrise Drainage, a drainage service company in Tampa Bay and Sarasota, Florida.
26. Replace grass with decorative rocks
Though grass may look nice, there are alternatives that require less effort and still look appealing. “Replace high-maintenance grass with decorative rocks, such as river rocks or gravel, to reduce watering and upkeep. Use larger rocks or boulders to create focal points and add visual interest to the property,” adds Tampa Bay Ponds & Rocks, a pond, rock, and stone supplier in Tampa Bay, Florida.
27. Schedule junk removal services when clearing out units
If you need some help clearing out a unit, call a junk removal company. “Schedule junk removal for foreclosed or vacated units to speed up the process of getting them ready for new renters. This helps with both cleanliness and reducing the need for major cleaning efforts,” recommends Junk Buddy, a full-service junk removal and dumpster rental company in Tampa Bay, Florida.
28. Rent a dumpster when cleaning or doing major maintenance
Make cleaning up easier by renting a dumpster. “Rent dumpsters for periodic property cleanouts, such as when a unit is vacated or during seasonal maintenance. This will help efficiently remove old furniture, appliances, and unwanted items in bulk,” suggests Jewell Trucking, a family-owned and operated trucking company in Muskego, Wisconsin.
The value of proper rental property maintenance
Maintaining a rental property requires a proactive approach and attention to detail, but it’s a rewarding endeavor that ensures tenant satisfaction and property longevity. By implementing expert-recommended strategies such as regular inspections, addressing repairs promptly, and optimizing energy efficiency, property owners can effectively manage their rentals. These practical tips not only simplify maintenance but also enhance the value and appeal of your rental property.
