For many Woodbury rental property owners, the list of maintenance tasks your rental needs can seem overwhelming. Missing a few tasks won’t necessarily be a problem, but there are some maintenance tasks that you should be doing every year. Neglecting these maintenance tasks can not only lead to decreased tenant satisfaction but big repair bills down the road. These ten maintenance tasks will help ensure that your rental property will not be a source of headaches or hassles.
1. Change Your Filters
Make sure you change your furnace filters regularly and correctly. Clogged filters are often the cause of poor indoor air quality. This also decreases the life of your rental property’s furnace.
2. Clean Your Dryer Vent
Clothes dryer vents are among the leading causes of residential fires in the U.S., so this is one maintenance task that should not be overlooked. A clogged dryer vent can not only be a fire hazard, though. It can even cause mold problems and unwanted pests may try to make it their home.
3. Relight the Pilot Light
If you keep your pilot light off during the warm months, make sure you relight it long before the cold weather comes so you can check if the system is still functioning properly. Tenants won’t appreciate sitting in the cold, waiting for you to get the furnace up and running.
4. Drain Sediment From Your Water Heater
It is normal for sediment to accumulate at the bottom of a water heater. To extend the life of your rental property’s water heater and ensure that it is working properly, be sure to drain it once a year.
5. Look for Leaks
It sounds simple, and it is. Do an annual visual check of your property’s plumbing, fixtures, sprinklers, and so on. Look for signs of leaks or pooling of water, and have these checked immediately.
6. Change Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries
Replacing the batteries in your rental property’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is also an important annual task. Do not wait for the unit to fail and start beeping to save yourself and your tenant from having to deal with that headache.
7. Lubricate Garage Door Springs
Your rental property’s garage needs regular care as well. It is important that you lubricate the springs and wheels of your garage door at least once a year. Where a neglected garage door would fail after a few years, a properly lubricated garage door will work smoothly for many years.
8. Give Your Appliances Some TLC
Taking care of your rental property’s appliances will make them last longer. These appliances often only need basic maintenance each year. For example, a refrigerator will function in optimal condition longer if you vacuum the refrigerator coils and clean the seals around the doors.
9. Clean Window Weep Holes
Have you noticed the weep holes on your vinyl windows? They are there to help drain away water and condensation. If left unattended, these holes can become clogged with dirt or insects. Simple flushing out of the weep holes once a year will help avoid condensation and other moisture problems.
10. Check for Pests
Finally, if it is not yet your regular practice, do an annual thorough check of your property for signs of pest infestation. Termites can start as a small problem. If left unchecked, this can cause a lot of damage to your property and to your tenant’s belongings as well.
Property maintenance is an essential but time-consuming part of owning a rental property. Why not let the professionals handle it for you? Real Property Management Fidelis offers a full range of property management and maintenance services provided by expert Woodbury property managers, giving you total peace of mind that essential maintenance tasks are being done every year. Learn more by contacting us online or calling at 844-365-7368.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
