It is imperative for a rental property management company to manage property maintenance and repairs in a strategic way. All repairs should be documented with a work order that details the date and time, repair item needed, and an action plan to implement and properly service the tenant and property.
Common Maintenance and Repairs in Rental Property Management
Rental property management companies should keep a detailed list of all appliances and major equipment within a property including the following items:
Refrigerator
Oven
Microwave
Dishwasher
Furnace
Air Conditioning Unit
Water Heater
Water Softener (if applicable)
Washer
Dryer
Toilet
The owner’s appliance list should include the brand name, model number, serial number, vendor name, phone number, and manufacturer’s website.
Tip: It saves time and money if appliance brands and models are standardized throughout the properties.
Tip: Develop a relationship with a local appliance dealer for quick trade in with warranty.
If the vendor does not provide service then the contact information for closest available service technician should be on file. This level of organization will help the rental property management company to quickly locate parts on his own or hire appropriate personnel. As a backup plan, it is good to network among local handyman services they would be willing to step in and help out if repairs become more difficult than anticipated or if in-house sources are overwhelmed or unable to meet a timeline. Rental property management companies should use their experience to ascertain the best course of action.
Bathroom Maintenance
Some common maintenance frustrations in rental property management are, clogged toilets, sinks, and bathtubs/showers. It is helpful to disassemble the sink plunger to remove excess hair and other debris twice per year as a preventative measure. For around $25 the company can own a plumber’s snake, also known as a drain auger. Snakes are utilized by turning the pistol grip and feeding the snake into the drain.
Other handy items to include in rental property management bathroom inventory:
-Toilet parts: extra seats, flappers, floats, and handles
-Plungers: provide one as a tenant welcoming gift
Kitchen Maintenance
Tenants will expect a well-functioning kitchen. Kitchen drains and faucets should be tested before showing the space. Refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens/stoves are critical kitchen components; purchase extended warranties so a broken appliance can be replaced for a nominal fee. With electric stoves a failed heating element can be replaced with little expense and labor. With gas ovens it is important to take the grates apart and clean the holes where the gas flames are emitted.
Annual Maintenance
Perform annual maintenance checks of washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens/stoves, furnaces/air conditioners, and vents.
Provide your tenants with care and proper usage instructions for all major appliances provided.
From an accounting perspective, efficient repair and maintenance positively impacts rental property management. Document and track the success of the repair and maintenance program. Take a proactive approach to parts inventory and an action plan for every possible failure. This will lead to happier tenants and low-stress rental property management.
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