A lot of Chesterfield rental property owners feel that the list of maintenance tasks their rental needs seems long. While it won’t hurt if you miss some things, there are maintenance tasks that should be done every year to avoid bigger problems. Neglecting these maintenance tasks can not only lead to decreased tenant satisfaction but big repair bills down the road. By doing these ten maintenance tasks, you can save yourself a lot of trouble.
1. Change Your Filters
You need to change your furnace filters regularly and correctly. Clogged filters lead to poor indoor air quality and a shorter life for your rental property’s furnace.
2. Clean Your Dryer Vent
Clothes dryer vents should be a priority maintenance task as well as they are one of the top causes of residential fires in the U.S. A clogged dryer vent can not only be a fire hazard, though. They can also cause mold problems or be a home for unwanted pests.
3. Relight the Pilot Light
If your pilot light is usually turned off during warm months, you must relight it and check the system for proper functioning long before cold weather arrives. Your tenant won’t enjoy sitting in the cold, waiting for you to fix the furnace.
4. Drain Sediment From Your Water Heater
It is natural for sediment to collect at the bottom of every water heater. To extend the life of your rental property’s water heater and ensure that it is working properly, be sure to drain it once a year.
5. Look for Leaks
It sounds simple, and it is. Do a yearly visual check of your property’s plumbing, fixtures, and sprinklers. If you find any signs of leaks or pooling water, have them addressed immediately.
6. Change Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries
Your rental property’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should have their batteries replaced every year. Waiting for the unit to fail and start beeping could put your tenant’s safety at risk.
7. Lubricate Garage Door Springs
Lubricating the springs and wheels of your rental property’s garage door at least once a year will keep the garage in good condition. A properly lubricated garage door will function well for years, but a neglected door will easily break down.
8. Give Your Appliances Some TLC
Taking care of your rental property’s appliances will make them last longer. These appliances often only need basic maintenance each year. For example, if you vacuum the refrigerator coils and clean the seals around the doors, this essential appliance will work better and last longer.
9. Clean Window Weep Holes
Most vinyl windows have to weep holes on the exterior to help drain away water and condensation. But these holes can sometimes be clogged with dirt or insects. You can avoid condensation and moisture problems just by flushing your weep holes out once a year.
10. Check for Pests
Finally, check your property for signs of pest infestation every year. Termites can start as a small problem. But if left unchecked, it can cause a lot of trouble for you and your tenant.
Property maintenance is important but it can be a time-consuming part of owning rental properties. Why not let the professionals handle it for you? Real Property Management Endeavor offers a full range of property management and maintenance services provided by expert Chesterfield property managers, giving you total peace of mind that essential maintenance tasks are being done every year. Learn more by contacting us online or calling at 636-244-5959.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
