For many single-family Pawtucket rental property owners, maintenance and repair is often viewed as a big hassle. But looking at it another perspective, preventive maintenance is a necessary part of the continuing care that your valuable investment needs to ensure the highest possible return. This is true whether your property is occupied or vacant. Even if your tenant is responsible for some maintenance tasks, it’s important that you also perform certain ongoing maintenance tasks regularly. Doing so is not only an essential part of responsible property ownership but can also help you attract and retain quality tenants. In what follows, we’ll talk about 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 fastest ways to end up with major repair bills is to neglect your rental property’s plumbing system. Instead, make time to conduct annual inspections of all pipes, faucets, drains, and water heaters in the house. Watch for signs of leaks under cabinets or around the base of toilets, slow drains, and other developing issues. Don’t 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 insignificant, you can prevent expensive water damage and emergency plumbing repairs.
2. HVAC Efficiency
Another very vital maintenance task you should be managing is HVAC maintenance. Air conditioning units and furnaces need to be serviced at least once a year to stay efficient. Neglecting these systems can significantly shorten their lifespan, leading to expensive replacement bills. Inside the house, check for blocked vents, dirty registers, and other indicators that HVAC problems are developing. This can help keep your property’s HVAC unit functioning properly and keep your tenants comfortable year-round.
3. Water Damage Prevention
Another top preventive maintenance task that should be completed each year involves preventing water damage to your property. Water damage often occurs due to clogged gutters, roof leaks, poor drainage around the foundation, leaking sprinkler pipes, and so on. To catch potential problems early, do a visual inspection of your property’s exterior, roof, and grounds. If you notice water pooling, stains, or debris, these are all signs of impending water damage and should be addressed immediately.
4. Safety
Your tenant’s safety is a top concern for them and you as the property owner as well. One of the most important preventive maintenance tasks includes making sure 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 small thing to replace a deadbolt on an exterior door, but it significantly reduces risk and increases safety at the same time.
5. Structural Integrity
Finally, check your property for potential issues with your structural integrity. This could be as simple as doing a visual inspection for signs of termite damage and cracks in the foundation. You should also check for any damage to the home’s siding, flashing, and roof to ensure that it is still weather-proof and visually appealing. If you encounter any damage, cracks, or unsightly wear and tear, it’s best to have repairs done immediately to avoid even bigger problems developing down the road.
Preventive maintenance is something you should stay on top of all of the time, not just at move-out or when an emergency arises. But it can be a challenge to remember to complete these and other essential maintenance tasks every year and as needed. Instead, why not hire Real Property Management Providence to take care of your preventive maintenance for you? Our Pawtucket 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 401-272-3300 today!
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