Preventative maintenance is a key task for both landlords and property managers. By having a rental property maintenance checklist available to follow, the likelihood of large unexpected and costly problems occurring is reduced.
A checklist can help to schedule tasks, arrange contractors, and ensure that all tasks are completed. While property inspections and tenant notifications can help identify routine maintenance and any unexpected issues, without an overall checklist, it can be easy to overlook other areas requiring maintenance. When regular maintenance is not completed, landlords run the chance of reducing the value of their property, both in market value and in rental income.
We’ve made a list of some of the common tasks to include within your maintenance checklist and allocated them the most appropriate time of the year.
Creating Your Rental Property Maintenance Checklist
Property managers will often have a scheduled timetable to follow for their property inspections. Usually this is when the tenant arrives, seasonally, and when they leave. Emergency inspections are costly and often unbudgeted for, making having a checklist to follow an opportunity to reduce unexpected costs.
A seasonal rental property maintenance checklist helps to break down the tasks into a manageable timeframe and allocate specific tasks to the most suitable seasonal weather. Organising tasks into seasons also helps provide a safer and more suitable time for contractors to complete tasks, and helps landlords develop and manage their maintenance budget.
Your Spring Rental Property Maintenance Checklist
After the winter weather has departed, it can leave behind plenty of damage, debris and mess! Spring is one of the busiest times for maintenance tasks, and depending upon your property, it should include:
- An exterior building wash
- Water blasting of paths, decks and steps
- Cleaning of guttering and spouting
- Tree and hedge pruning
- Any new planting
- Repainting of the exterior if required
- Inspecting the roof for any leaks or broken areas and making the necessary repairs
- Cleaning windows and doors
- Repairing weather stripping and caulking areas
- Servicing of air conditioning systems
Your Summer Rental Property Maintenance Checklist
The weather is much warmer, making it difficult to work in areas which get a lot of sun. It is also the time when tenants take advantage of outdoor areas and want to enjoy a cool home. Maintenance tasks for your rental property during the summer include:
- Checking and repairing appliances
- Maintain swimming pools and fencing
- Confirm irrigation is working and repair if necessary
- Check for leaks in the kitchen and bathroom
- Replace faucets if required
Your Autumn Rental Property Maintenance Checklist
During the autumn months, it’s time to start preparing your property for all the rain, wind and low temperatures that will shortly arrive. These tasks can include:
- Checking and cleaning heat sources including log burners, fireplaces and heat pumps
- Clean guttering and spouting
- Check smoke alarms and replace batteries
- Remove any overhanging trees or branches from near your roof and gutters
- Complete pest treatments
- Check the roof for any damage and make repairs
Your Winter Rental Property Maintenance Checklist
During the coldest months, tenants will want to spend more time indoors and are likely to notice any new problems quickly. It is also when emergency inspections often occur related to the weather. However, if you’ve been following your property maintenance checklist, the risk of this occurring is much lower. Winter maintenance tasks can include:
- Cleaning of drains and sinks
- Inspections for damage after storms
- Checking for and repairing leaks
- Checking for condensation and remedying if required
- Fixing any slip hazards
- Ensuring that water is draining appropriately
As you see, creating and following a seasonal maintenance checklist is a great idea. If you need help in developing one, consider approaching your property manager or a property inspector to assist you in identifying tasks to add to it.
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