For many single-family Schertz rental property owners, maintenance and repair are often regarded as a big responsibility. However, on the opposite side, preventive maintenance is a necessary part of the long-term care that your valuable investment needs to get the highest possible return. This is true whether your property is occupied or vacant. Regardless of whether your tenant is responsible for a few maintenance tasks, you also need to conduct particular ongoing maintenance tasks regularly. This is not only a core aspect of good property ownership but can also help you attract and retain quality tenants. In what follows, we will discuss 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 methods to end up with major repair bills is to neglect your rental property’s plumbing system. As another option, give time to perform annual inspections of all pipes, faucets, drains, and water heaters in the house. Search for signs of leaks under cabinets or around the base of toilets, slow drains, and other likely issues. Don’t rely on your tenant to report every detail – it’s vital to check it yourself. By catching and addressing these issues when they are minor, you can prevent expensive water damage and emergency plumbing repairs.
2. HVAC Efficiency
Another critical maintenance task that you should be addressing is HVAC maintenance. Air conditioning units and furnaces need to be serviced at least once a year to stay efficient. Neglecting these systems can considerably shorten their lifespan, which results in expensive replacement bills. Inside the house, check for blocked vents, dirty registers, and other warnings that HVAC issues are developing. This can help you keep your property’s HVAC unit functioning efficiently 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 usually arises due to clogged gutters, roof leaks, poor drainage around the foundation, leaking sprinkler pipes, and so on. To identify possible issues early, do a visual inspection of your property’s exterior, roof, and grounds. If you observe water pooling, stains, or debris, these are generally indications 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. One of the most important preventive maintenance tasks includes making sure that safety features are functioning correctly. This includes door and window locks, alarm systems (if your property has one), and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It is a little thing to replace a deadbolt on an exterior door, but it greatly decreases risk while also increasing safety.
5. Structural Integrity
Ultimately, examine your property for potential matters with your structural integrity. This could be as simple as doing a visual inspection for signs of termite damage and cracks in the foundation. It would be beneficial if you also check for any damage to the home’s siding, flashing, and roof to guarantee that it is still weather-proof and visually appealing. If you recognize any damage, cracks, or unsightly wear and tear, you should have repairs done immediately to keep away from the worst issues developing later on.
Preventive maintenance is something you should be doing all of the time, not just at move-out or when an emergency arises. However, remembering to do these and other vital maintenance tasks every year and as needed might be challenging. Instead, why not engage with Real Property Management Campanas to undertake the preventive maintenance for you? Our Schertz 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 210-797-8805 today!
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