With spring just around the corner, it’s time to get ready for – you guessed it – spring rental property maintenance. While tenants handle their own spring cleaning, it is up to landlords to make sure that everything is running smoothly on the rental property. Such a big task can seem overwhelming, but, with the right tools (like our checklist!) and preparation, it can be a walk in the park.
While preventative maintenance may seem tedious at the time, it will surely pay off in the long run. Make sure to work your way down your spring checklist, and inspect the rental property inside and out. It can be a good idea to keep records while you’re doing this. Note what you fixed and when, the condition of different aspects of the unit, and what items you may want to check up on later in the year. Also consider making a detailed inspection plan, which you can reference and consult should something go wrong.
When doing maintenance on the interior of the house, it is recommended that you take this time to check for mold, termites, and other unpleasantries. Look to see if the winter weather has led to any leaks or water damage, as well as for general wear and tear. Spring presents a good time to do HVAC maintenance, as the weather is tame enough that a tenant can go without heat or air conditioning for a day or so while necessary repairs are made. Don’t forget to change out filters, and the batteries in smoke alarms. If you don’t have a tenant currently living in the property, you could even take the time to put up a fresh coat of paint or start some bigger spring projects.
The spring weather makes this season the perfect time to do exterior maintenance. As the colder weather fades away and any remaining snow melts, it leaves behind a grime that no one looks forward to dealing with. Be sure to power wash this away, which is an easy way to increase the curb appeal of your property. As the roof and gutters are very susceptible to damage during the winter months, make cleaning and repairing those a top priority during your spring maintenance. Don’t neglect the property’s landscaping either; even simply planting a few flowers can spruce up the unit, and increase tenant morale.
This season, make your cleaning and repairs as easy as possible. Utilize a spring maintenance checklist to keep yourself organized, and make notes about what you do and the costs involved. Try to do as much preventative work and repairs as possible, saving yourself the time of dealing with an even bigger problem down the road (and making tax season a little bit easier). Landscaping your yard with freshly bloomed flowers will add a nice pop of color to your property, and a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. Tending to the interior and exterior of your property can be a bit time consuming, but you’ll be thankful you did it when it’s all said and done.
What Projects are You Tackling this Spring?
