It may seem like there’s no hurry when a tenant reports a slow leak in a bathroom sink or the floorboards slowly start to come loose. It’s easy to ignore or delay routine repairs in your Charlotte rental home.
However, delaying those repairs won’t make them go away. In fact, the longer you wait to fix something, the more expensive it’s likely to become.
If your HVAC system has a meltdown during the hottest afternoon in August, you may find yourself wishing you had hired a tech to make those inexpensive annual service inspections. You don’t want to replace the roof, install new flooring, or call a plumber for extensive repairs.
That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to routine and preventative maintenance. It minimizes your repair costs.
Respond Right Away to Charlotte Rental Property Maintenance
Encourage your tenants to report maintenance issues as soon as they’re detected. Then, make sure you take action as quickly as you can. This is the best way to reduce your rental property maintenance costs. Tenants are always going to expect a well-maintained property that’s safe, habitable, and comfortable. When they sign a lease agreement and pay rent every month, they expect their rental home will be functional.
Responding with a sense of urgency will save you money and also limit the risk that your minor repair will become a huge problem. You’ll also score some points when it comes to tenant retention. Your renters will feel comfortable knowing that you take maintenance seriously.
Prioritize Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance reduces repair costs and cuts down on the number of emergency repairs and replacements you’re required to make. It extends the life of your rental home’s most expensive systems. Set up a preventative maintenance schedule seasonally or annually to make sure you’re doing things like:
- Testing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
- Scheduling inspections and servicing of your HVAC unit
- Inspecting the roof and any chimneys or fireplaces
- Flushing the water heater and any outdoor irrigation systems
- Paying attention to pest control with an ongoing service
- Clearing gutters
- Checking for water, gas, and sewer leaks
This type of proactive maintenance will require a slight investment of time and resources, but it will save you a lot of money on maintenance and repairs in the long term.
Assemble a List of Preferred Vendors
If you want to maintain your Charlotte rental property cost-effectively, you’ll need to have a great team of vendors and contractors who are licensed, insured, and affordable. Establish relationships with plumbers, electricians, roofers, HVAC technicians, landscapers, and experts in things like drywall, flooring, and appliances.
Taking care of your rental property’s maintenance needs isn’t optional. You have to keep the property well-maintained if you want to attract tenants, retain those tenants, and charge the highest amount of rent you can. You also want to preserve the condition of your investment and allow your asset to grow in value.
Avoid those expensive repairs by responding to every repair request proactively. Working with a Charlotte property management company can also help you save money on maintenance. We’d love to tell you more. Contact us at AM Realty.
