Many single-family Emeryville rental property owners often see maintenance and repair as a big responsibility. But looking at it another way, preventive maintenance is a necessary part of the proper care that your valuable investment needs to deliver the best possible return. This is correct whether your property is occupied or vacant. Even if your tenant is responsible for certain maintenance tasks, make sure that you also conduct some ongoing maintenance tasks regularly. Doing so isn’t only a key aspect of responsible property ownership but can also help you attract and retain quality tenants. In this portion, we will evaluate 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 approaches to end up with major repair bills is to neglect your rental property’s plumbing system. Alternatively, plan annual inspections of all pipes, faucets, drains, and water heaters in the house. Watch out for traces of leaks under cabinets or around the base of toilets, slow drains, and other potential concerns. Don’t rely on your tenant to report every little thing – it’s imperative to check it yourself. By catching and addressing these issues when they are small, you can prevent expensive water damage and emergency plumbing repairs.
2. HVAC Efficiency
Another most important maintenance task you should get done is HVAC maintenance. Air conditioning units and furnaces need to be serviced at least once a year to remain efficient. Inability to resolve these systems can greatly shorten their lifespan, which leads to expensive replacement bills. Inside the house, check for blocked vents, dirty registers, and other signs that HVAC problems are developing. This can help you keep your property’s HVAC unit functioning flawlessly and keep your tenants comfortable year-round.
3. Water Damage Prevention
Another top preventive maintenance task that should be done each year involves preventing water damage to your property. Water damage normally occurs because of clogged gutters, roof leaks, poor drainage around the foundation, leaking sprinkler pipes, and so forth. To determine possible issues early, conduct a visual inspection of your property’s exterior, roof, and grounds. If you see water pooling, stains, or debris, these are mostly indicators 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 significant preventive maintenance tasks is to guarantee that safety features are functioning well. 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 greatly lowers risk and increases safety at the same time.
5. Structural Integrity
In conclusion, check your property for any structural integrity issues. This could be as easy as doing a visual inspection for signs of termite damage and cracks in the foundation. It is also preferable to 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 see any damage, cracks, or unsightly wear and tear, you need to have repairs done immediately to keep away from significant harm in the future.
Preventive maintenance is something you should stay on top of all of the time, not only at move-out or when an emergency arises. However, it can be troublesome to remember to complete these and other imperative maintenance tasks every year and whenever required. As another alternative, why not employ Real Property Management Pacific to do your preventive maintenance for you? Our Emeryville 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 925-889-9174 today!
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