Every landlord wants to make sure they get the highest return on investment for their rental properties. There are several factors that affect ROI, including financing costs, market conditions, and vacancy rates—but one of the most important factors is maintaining the value of your properties. The best way to do this is to keep your property well-maintained. Depending on how well your tenants take care of the property, this can be more challenging than it sounds.
Whether you plan to take care of the maintenance yourself or hire a contractor, it’s important to protect your properties and maintain your ROI. Here are seven essential tips that can make maintenance go smoother.
Clearly Define Responsibilities in Your Lease
One crucial aspect of maintaining a smooth landlord-tenant relationship and ensuring a hassle-free experience is outlining the responsibilities of each party in your lease agreement. By clearly defining and communicating these responsibilities, you can prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary stress down the line.
Make sure to outline any specific tasks that the tenant is responsible for, such as regularly cleaning the premises, replacing burnt-out bulbs, removing trash, and routine yard maintenance. Keep in mind that while tenants may be responsible for basic maintenance, major repairs, and significant system failures (such as electrical, HVAC, or plumbing issues) are your responsibility.
However, this responsibility generally excludes damages caused by the tenant’s negligence or intentional misconduct. By clearly defining the division of maintenance tasks, you can ensure that the tenant understands their obligations and avoids unnecessary confusion or disputes.
Document the Condition of the Property Before the Tenant Moves In
To ensure your move-in and move-out process is fair and transparent, it’s important to document the condition of the property before the tenant moves in. That way, if there are any disputes, you’ll have visual and written proof to show the tenant.
Carefully examine all areas of the property and take note of any existing damage or wear and tear. In addition to written documentation, take clear and well-lit photographs of the property’s condition. Make sure to pay close attention to places that are prone to wear and tear such as the floors, walls, and fixtures.
Once you’ve completed your move-in inspection, provide the tenant with a checklist that outlines the features of the property and give them a chance to note any concerns or discrepancies before they move in. The checklist should include the condition of essential features such as appliances, plumbing, fixtures, electrical outlets, windows, doors, and overall cleanliness.
Once you’ve both had a chance to review the property and checklist together, you and your tenant should sign and date the checklist to confirm you’re both on the same page. Keep copies of this document along with the lease for future reference.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Many large-scale maintenance or repair issues can be prevented by regularly inspecting your properties. Depending on the terms of your lease and the conditions of your property, you can conduct inspections as often as every month or seasonally.
In your lease, you should also specify how quickly tenants are required to tell you about any issues that arise (within 48 hours, for example) to prevent them from becoming worse. Be sure to note in the lease that any issues that aren’t reported within this timeline will be the tenant’s responsibility.
Standardize Your Materials
Standardizing materials in your rental properties, even if you have a diverse portfolio, can bring numerous benefits in terms of efficiency, cost savings, and consistent aesthetics.
By using the same paint colors, fixtures, and finishes, you can streamline your property maintenance and enhance the overall appeal of your properties. For example, if you need to touch up a wall or repaint, you can use the same paint color throughout your properties, which eliminates the need to search for specific colors or match different shades.
Establish an Efficient Monitoring System for Maintenance and Budgeting
Create a schedule for routine maintenance checks and inspections, considering various components of your properties. This may include inspecting the roof, HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, fire alarms, security systems, and other critical aspects. Set specific intervals for these checks that align with manufacturer recommendations, industry standards, and local regulations.
To stay on track, consider using tools like property management software or digital calendars that can send you automated reminders. By anticipating maintenance issues through an organized monitoring system, you can budget for maintenance more effectively. This can be especially helpful when you take the lifespan of large ticket items into account.
For example, if the roof typically needs to be replaced every 15 years, you can set aside funds and plan accordingly. In addition, be sure to maintain a comprehensive record of all maintenance checks, inspections, repairs, and associated expenses. Having accurate documentation of these activities is especially helpful during property audits, tenant inquiries, and preparing financial reports.
Hire Professional Contractors
Although you may be able to handle many types of maintenance and repairs on your own, it’s important to know when to turn to the professionals. Repairs on some systems, such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, should really be left to the experts. You may also want to consider having professional inspections on your property in addition to your own inspections, as they may be able to identify problems you’re not aware of.
Establish Reserves for Capital Expenses and Unexpected Costs
As a prudent landlord, it is crucial to plan for both anticipated and unforeseen expenses by setting aside reserves specifically for capital expenses and unexpected costs. This ensures that you have the necessary funds available to cover maintenance, repairs, and other financial obligations.
A general rule of thumb is to set aside approximately 1.5 times the monthly rent amount each year for maintenance and unforeseen expenses. Make sure to also factor in the age of your properties. Older properties will require more frequent maintenance and may need a higher reserve allocated for them.
You may also want to consider opening a separate bank account specifically designated for reserve funds to help maintain transparency and discipline when managing your rental property finances. Having a dedicated account solely for reserves also makes it easier to track and manage the flow of funds.
Safeguard Your Properties with Tenant Screening
Maintaining your rental properties requires diligence and ongoing commitment, but the rewards far outweigh the work involved. By proactively managing maintenance, setting aside reserves for expenses, and implementing an organized monitoring system, you can keep your investments in tip-top shape and ensure their long-term success. However, one critical aspect that can’t be overlooked is the importance of choosing the right tenants. Selecting reliable and responsible individuals who will care for your property and fulfill their lease obligations is essential.
With tenant screening services from Tenant Screening Center, you can be confident you’re making the right choice when selecting new tenants. We provide comprehensive background, credit, and criminal history checks, as well as rental verifications to give you the insights you need to find tenants who are likely to be responsible, respectful of your property, and financially reliable. Order your reports today!
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