For multiple single-family Ogden rental property owners, maintenance and repair are commonly regarded as significant difficulties. But on the other hand, preventive maintenance is a necessary part of the continuous support that your valuable investment needs to guarantee the maximum possible return. This is true whether your property is occupied or vacant. Even if your tenant is responsible for some maintenance tasks, you should also carry out certain ongoing maintenance tasks regularly. Doing so is not only a fundamental aspect of sustainable property ownership but can also help you attract and retain quality tenants. In this post, we’re going to 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 quickest ways to result in significant repair bills is to neglect your rental property’s plumbing system. Instead, spend time managing annual inspections of all pipes, faucets, drains, and water heaters in the house. Check for indications of leaks under cabinets or around the base of toilets, slow drains, and other emerging issues. You should not rely on your tenant to report every little thing – it is better 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 highly necessary maintenance task you need to manage 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 signs that HVAC problems are developing. This can help keep your property’s HVAC unit functioning well and keep your tenants comfortable year-round.
3. Water Damage Prevention
Another top preventive maintenance task that needs to be performed every year includes preventing water damage to your property. Water damage is frequently caused by clogged gutters, roof leaks, poor drainage around the foundation, leaking sprinkler pipes, etc. To detect developing problems early, conduct a visual inspection of your property’s exterior, roof, and grounds. If you find water pooling, stains, or debris, these are all 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 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
At last, inspect your property for possible structural integrity problems. This can be just as easy as doing a visual inspection for signs of termite damage and cracks in the foundation. It is also important to examine for any damage to the home’s siding, flashing, and roof to make sure that it is still weather-proof and visually appealing. If you encounter any damage, cracks, or unsightly wear and tear, it’s advisable to have repairs done immediately to eliminate massive issues emerging in the future.
Preventive maintenance is something you should stay on top of all of the time, not just at move-out or when an emergency arises. However, it can be difficult to remember to do this and other important maintenance tasks every year and as necessary. Instead, why not hire Real Property Management Northern Utah to take care of your preventive maintenance for you? Our Ogden property managers have the experience and expertise to keep your property in good condition year after year. To learn more about our assistance, contact us online or call us at 801-546-1770 today!
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