If you’re a rental property owner, keeping up with a list of necessary maintenance tasks can feel overwhelming. While it may be tempting to overlook a few minor items, there are specific maintenance tasks that should not be skipped each year. Failure to perform these tasks can affect tenant satisfaction and lead to costly repairs. By completing these ten maintenance tasks, you’ll save many headaches and hassles!
1. Regularly change furnace filters
It’s essential to ensure that furnace filters are changed regularly. Neglecting this task can cause poor indoor air quality and shorten the lifespan of your rental property’s furnace.
2. Clear the dryer vent
Clothes dryer vents are one maintenance task that you shouldn’t overlook 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 can also invite unwanted pests and cause mold problems.
3. Relight furnace pilot light
If you usually turn off your pilot light during warm months, make sure to relight it and test the system before cold weather arrives. Tenants will appreciate a well-functioning system when it’s time to get the furnace up and running.
4. Drain sediment from water heater
Sediment builds up over time in every water heater. Draining the sediment once a year helps extend the life of your rental property’s water heater and maintain its efficiency.
5. Inspect for water leaks
Be sure to check your property’s plumbing regularly. Look for signs of leaks or pooling water, and address any issues you find immediately to prevent water damage and larger repair expenses.
6. Change batteries for smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
Replacing the batteries in your rental property’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a year can prevent false alarms and keep your tenants safe. Annual battery changes are a simple way to avoid disturbances for both you and your tenants.
7. Lubricate garage door springs
If your rental property has a garage, take the time to lubricate the springs and wheels of your garage door each year. An adequately lubricated garage door will operate smoothly and last longer.
8. Give your appliances some TLC
Routine maintenance, such as vacuuming your refrigerator coils, can extend the life of your rental property’s appliances. Taking a few extra steps each year to maintain appliances will help keep this essential appliance working better.
9. Clean window weep holes
Most vinyl windows include weep holes designed to allow moisture to escape. Flushing your weep holes annually can prevent the build-up of condensation and keep the window frames in good shape.
10. Check for pests
Make sure to check your property for signs of pest infestation once a year. Detecting pests like termites early on can prevent a minor problem from developing into a costly issue.
While keeping up with these time-consuming maintenance tasks may seem daunting, professional assistance can make it easier. At Real Property Management Upstate, we offer a comprehensive property management and maintenance service led by local experts in Syracuse. Rely on us to take care of your essential maintenance tasks. For more information, contact us online or call 315-498-1235.
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