The list of a landlord’s responsibilities can seem overwhelming. Consistently maintaining the security and health of your rental property is vital to reduce the number of time-consuming repairs you’re faced with while protecting your tenants’ safety.
A well-running property maintains its value and will pass any inspection with flying colours. Investing in your relationship with your tenants is also wise, as you want to be approached as quickly as possible about potential issues with your property to avoid expensive fixes. Our landlord’s guide to property maintenance will help you dodge any costly mistakes.
Conduct inspections
The state of your property can change throughout a tenancy, so it’s advisable to conduct regular inspections as a landlord. Some tenants aren’t able to carry out essential maintenance in a home themselves, so maybe unable to identify dangerous problems with your property. It is your responsibility to keep your property inhabitable and adequately functioning, for the sake of your tenants.
Regular inspections also help you to keep tabs on how your tenant is treating your property. An involved landlord is much harder to lie to, and you’ll be able to keep an up-to-date record of property incidents that weren’t your fault. These can be particularly handy at the end of a tenancy, just in case there is any dispute.
As well as being able to keep an eye on the treatment of your property, you also seem more invested in the experience your property provides – which your tenants will appreciate.
Repair quickly
When problems like mould, damp and blocked drains occur, it can be tempting to try and save money by avoiding those repairs for as long as possible. Unfortunately, problems begin to deteriorate as soon as they start and rarely fix themselves, so you’re best off acting quickly and decisively.
As soon as damp rears its head, structural damage could be occurring within your property. Renovating a house is costly work and leaves your tenants without a home for the time of repair. Trying too hard to save money can cost you more money in the long run, particularly with an older property that’s more susceptible to decay. Call out an experienced professional as soon as damp or mould has been noticed, and avoid property deterioration and complaint from your tenants.
Find reliable tradespeople
When maintenance of your property is constant and, little repairs need to be carried out consistently, finding a reliable set of tradespeople with reasonable prices can make a world of difference. Shop around with reputable local contractors to find the most cost-effective service possible, and stick with those tradespeople. They may reward your loyalty with an even lower discounted price.
As well as the potential to save money, you save time by developing a mutually beneficial relationship with a team of tradespeople. You could find and rely on one ideal handyman for your DIY jobs, consistently call out one team of emergency plumbers for your water needs, and hire a regular group of painters and decorators. You won’t need to shop around for quotes when work needs carrying out, and the team will already be familiar with your property. When your usual contractors aren’t able to fulfil a job you require, they may be able to refer you to another team they trust and guarantee they will operate effectively.
With regular inspections, quick repairs and a team of reliable tradespeople, your property will remain in excellent condition during any rental. Record inspections and repairs as closely as possible to prove your consistent involvement in the property, and there will never be any dispute as to your reputation as a landlord. If your tenants can recognise that you care about your property and their place to live, they’re much more likely to reciprocate in a friendly relationship with you.
Social Share:
