Calabasas Property Manager
Keep on Top of Rental Property Maintenance
By Sandra Faucett Share
Maintaining gutters at rental propertyAs a landlord, it is your role — your requirement, really — to keep your property safe and habitable. While good landlords know they need to do more than the minimum to attract and keep good tenants, you don’t have to be an expert plumber or carpenter.
So, how do you manage the right level of maintenance for your properties?
Recently, Steven Weinman, an experienced landlord and real estate educator in Washington, hosted a webinar where he shared the basics for keeping your properties looking and functioning their best. Even if you don’t know the difference between a screwdriver and a socket wrench, these three strategies can help you stay on top of maintenance and repair of your properties.
Get organized by keeping records
You are ultimately responsible for the condition of your property. As a matter of regulation, this includes responding to repair requests, performing routine maintenance and addressing tenant negligence. The best way to manage all the tasks and expenses — while keeping your sanity — is to get organized.
Start by creating a record-keeping system. Keep a physical or digital folder for each property, and track everything. Add a note when you perform routine maintenance, and include dates and times when you install anything new, like carpet, toilets, doors or even a roof. Record the lifespan of each new item so you can plan for future repairs or replacements. For example, the lifespan of a roof is 20-25 years. If you have a 15-year-old roof on one of your properties, you know you’re going to need a new one soon.
Include records of communications and transactions with your tenants, and document each request for repairs. Be sure you know how long you have to respond to each type of request, and the tenant’s rights if you don’t respond within that timeframe.
Make an inspection plan
Plan to inspect your properties at least once a year, if not twice. Inspecting your properties in the spring and fall allows you to prepare for the harsher summer and winter months. Use a checklist to make sure you cover everything, every time, and file it in your property folder. If you’re unsure of all you need to check for, get a handyperson to join you. Take lots of pictures for your records and to show a repair person, should you need one. This should be in addition to your move-in and move-out inspections with your tenants.
With your inspections and record keeping in place, you can better anticipate when you might have a major expense, such as a new appliance or deck replacement.
Line up resources
Don’t wait until you have a problem at your rental — create a list of service people you can rely on. Have a handyperson you can call for routine repairs you aren’t able — or don’t want — to do yourself. If you have several properties, consider hiring one full time. Also hire a landscaper to tend to your outside spaces on a regular schedule.
For other, less frequent maintenance requiring a licensed specialist, like roofing or plumbing, establish a list of trusted professionals. Ask other property owners for names, or get involved in local rental housing associations. They have great resources for landlords. Establish a working relationship with these professionals so you’re clear about prices, turnaround times and other details, and keep their names and numbers with you always. With this list, you can handle unexpected maintenance no matter where you are — even the beach! If you are a regular customer, you will get faster, better service.
From: https://www.zillow.com
Carnahan Property Management Services Woodland Hills,West Hills,Bell Canyon, Hidden Hills, Calabasas, Canoga Park, Tarzana, Reseda, Topanga, Encino, Northridge, Van Nuys, North Hills,Chatsworth, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, West Hollywood, San Fernando Valley, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, Simi Valley, WestLake Village, Agoura, Toluca Lake, Valley Village, Burbank. Call us at (818) 884-1500.
