Drama. That’s what many landlords fear about rental property repairs. That’s because these repairs seem to come out of nowhere and at the worst possible times.
By anticipating the most likely needs and taking preemptive action, landlords can quell repair anxiety.
The trick is to inspect the rental property routinely, equipped with a checklist of common repair complaints.
In addition, adopt a leasing policy that encourages tenants to report problems. Policies that require completion of burdensome forms in order to flag a problem might discourage tenants, causing further discontent — and drama. Resolve complaints quickly, and follow up with tenants after repairs are made.
Many complaints will be eliminated completely through regular maintenance, leaving you free to enjoy your weekends in peace.
In Mulifamily Properties, routinely check:
Exterior lighting. Tenants value security above other amenities.
Hall lighting
Debris in the halls or stairwells
Blinking or dead Smoke/Carbon Detectors
Loose handrails or stairs
Faucet leaks
Climate control issues, usually caused by poorly maintained HVAC systems
Hot water failures, which can signal serious plumbing issues
Garbage spilled at dumpsters. This will attract pests and rodents.
Icy sidewalks
In Single Family Properties, focus on:
Faulty door locks
Stored items left by the landlord. Locked rooms are notorious for attracting rodents or sucking up heat. Make sure lights are turned off after a visit.
Torn screens
Kitchen sink clogs, usually caused by malfunctioning or improper use of garbage disposal.
Running toilets, leaking faucets
Worn weatherproofing
Laundry vents, hoses. Dryer vents must be cleaned, while washing machine hoses must be replaced every few years.
Faulty electrical systems that may need to be upgraded
This post is provided by Tenant Verification Service, Inc., helping landlords reduce the risks of renting with fraud prevention tools that include Tenant Screening, Tenant Background Checks, (U.S. and Canada), as well as Criminal Background Checks, and Eviction Reports (U.S. only).
Click Here to Receive Landlord Credit Reports.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post in not intended to be construed as legal advice, nor should it be considered a substitute for obtaining individual legal counsel or consulting your local, state, federal or provincial tenancy laws.
