As a rental property owner, the list of maintenance tasks your rental needs can seem endless. Although forgetting a few things now and then usually isn’t a big deal, there are other maintenance tasks that you should definitely take care of each year. Skipping these maintenance tasks can initiate decreased tenant satisfaction and costly repairs later on. Safeguarding you are completing these ten maintenance tasks will save you many headaches and hassles!
1. Regularly change furnace filters
It is important to make sure that your furnace filters are changed regularly and done the right way. Congested filters can bring about poor indoor air quality and reduce the service life of your rental property’s furnace.
2. Clear the dryer vent
Clothes dryer vents are one maintenance task that you shouldn’t ignore since they are among the top causes of residential fires in the United States. A clogged dryer vent can not only be a fire hazard, though. It might also entice unwanted pests and result in mold problems.
3. Relight furnace pilot light
If you turn off your pilot light during warm months, relight it and examine the system to ensure everything is working well before cold weather arrives. Tenants won’t enjoy waiting in the cold for you to get the furnace up and running.
4. Drain sediment from water heater
Through the years, sediment compiles at the bottom of every water heater. Drain it once a year to extend the life of your rental property’s water heater and keep it running smoothly.
5. Inspect for water leaks
It seems straightforward, and it truly is. At least once a year, visually check your property’s plumbing, fixtures, sprinklers, and so on. If you detect any signs of leaks or pooling water, it’s a good idea to take care of that right away.
6. Change batteries for smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
It’s important to replace the batteries in your rental property’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a year. There’s no necessity to wait for the unit to start buzzing; by being forward-thinking, you can save both your tenant and yourself from that hassle!
7. Lubricate garage door springs
If your rental property has a garage, it is a great idea to lubricate the springs and wheels of your garage door once a year. An adequately lubricated garage door can serve you wonderfully for many years, while a door that doesn’t get the care it needs may not last as long as it should.
8. Give your appliances some TLC
You can also extend the life of your rental property’s appliances by doing vital maintenance once a year. For illustration, vacuuming your refrigerator coils and cleaning the seals around the refrigerator doors can help this essential appliance work better and extend its life span.
9. Clean window weep holes
Lots of vinyl windows have weep holes on the outside that assist in draining water and condensation. However, these holes might get blocked by dirt or insects. Simply flushing your weep holes out once a year can really help prevent condensation and other moisture issues.
10. Check for pests
Finally, if you haven’t started yet, it’s a great idea to check your property for signs of pest infestation each year. Termites can begin as a little issue. However, if it isn’t addressed, it could turn into a challenging situation for both you and your tenant.
How about letting the experts take care of those important but time-consuming maintenance tasks for you? Real Property Management Horizons provides a complete selection of property management and maintenance services from local experts in Anna Maria and the neighboring areas. Rest easy knowing that essential maintenance tasks are taken care of every year. To learn more, contact us online or call 941-313-3373.
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