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Top 5 Preventive Maintenance Tasks

Norfolk Landlord Changing Air FilterMost single-family Norfolk rental property owners usually regard maintenance and repair as a huge challenge. But looking at it another way, preventive maintenance is a necessary part of the regular care that your valuable investment needs to provide the best possible return. This is accurate whether your property is occupied or vacant. Irrespective of whether your tenant is responsible for certain maintenance tasks, it’s critical that you also undertake essential ongoing maintenance tasks regularly. Doing so isn’t just a fundamental piece of responsible property ownership but can also help you attract and retain quality tenants. In what follows, we’ll talk about the top 5 preventive maintenance tasks that you (not your tenant) should be doing to keep your cash flows in the black.

1. Plumbing System

One of the fastest approaches to wind up with major repair bills is to neglect your rental property’s plumbing system. Instead, make time to conduct annual inspections of all pipes, faucets, drains, and water heaters in the house. Keep an eye out for signs of leaks under cabinets or around the base of toilets, slow drains, and other possible concerns. Don’t rely on your tenant to report every little thing – it’s important to check it yourself. By catching and addressing these issues when they are small, you can prevent expensive water damage and emergency plumbing repairs.

2. HVAC Efficiency

Another high-priority maintenance task you should be do is HVAC maintenance. Air conditioning units and furnaces need to be serviced at least once a year to stay efficient. Failing to address these systems can vastly shorten their lifespan, leading to expensive replacement bills. Inside the house, check for blocked vents, dirty registers, and other symptoms that HVAC issues are developing. This can assist in maintaining your property’s HVAC unit functioning perfectly and keep your tenants comfortable year-round.

3. Water Damage Prevention

Another top preventive maintenance task that ought to be finished each year includes preventing water damage to your property. Water damage regularly happens due to clogged gutters, roof leaks, poor drainage around the foundation, leaking sprinkler pipes, and so forth. To identify possible issues early, perform a visual inspection of your property’s exterior, roof, and grounds. If you spot water pooling, stains, or debris, these are mostly indicators of impending water damage and should be addressed immediately.

4. Safety

Your tenant’s safety is a top concern for them and you as the property owner as well. One of the principal preventive maintenance tasks includes ensuring that safety features are functioning as they should be. This includes door and window locks, alarm systems (if your property has one), and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It is a small thing to replace a deadbolt on an exterior door, but it greatly lessens risk and increases safety all at once.

5. Structural Integrity

Lastly, check your property for any structural integrity concerns. This could be as easy as doing a visual inspection for signs of termite damage and cracks in the foundation. It is also advisable to inspect for any damage to the home’s siding, flashing, and roof to guarantee that it is still weather-proof and visually appealing. If you notice any damage, cracks, or unsightly wear and tear, it’s ideal to have repairs done immediately to avoid greater damage later on.

Preventive maintenance is something you should be aware of always, not only at move-out or when an emergency arises. However, it can be a challenge to remember to accomplish these and other vital maintenance tasks every year and as needed. As another option, why not hire Real Property Management Hampton Roads to look after your preventive maintenance for you? Our Norfolk property managers have the experience and expertise to keep your property in good condition year after year. To learn more about our offerings, contact us online or call us at 757-395-4274 today!

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