Your home can be your most valuable asset, but it can also be a major drain on your resources. According to the 1% rule, you must set aside 1% of your home value for home maintenance. For a $300,000 home, that would mean $3000.
If you are wondering what are the most common rental property maintenance problems, keep reading!
Air Conditioning and HVAC Issues
The most common property maintenance problem has to be related to Air Conditioning and HVAC. A lot of these problems usually surface during the summertime, when people are using their air conditioning to the max.
And this is also the time when HVAC repairmen are most in demand. That's why if you want to ensure your renters are happy, keep a good check on your HVAC system and prevent problems before they begin.
Doors
The problem with doors isn't that they get stuck, but that the front door's deadbolt doesn't work. The key slides in but doesn't actually open the door. You don't want that to happen to your tired-from-work renter.
That's why it's best to have a locksmith on call who can fix these problems right away and ensure you follow up regularly with your renter to keep them happy.
Plumbing Issues
The main things that are affected here are toilets, drains, sinks, showers, and bathtubs. Basically, it's the whole shebang. And it needs regular maintenance.
Having a good plumber at hand can be a way to alleviate this, but also to ensure that your drains are cleaned regularly and your fixtures are replaced consistently.
You don't want to be sitting on the phone trying to find a plumber, while your resident sits there unable to use the bathroom.
Refrigerators
It's easier to replace a fridge nowadays than to repair one. And this is good to know because you don't want to deal with the wrath of a renter who lost $100 worth of fresh groceries.
Lights
A lot of times this is easy to fix. It's merely a lightbulb that went out and you can ask the resident to fix it themselves. But sometimes, it's a more serious electrical issue which would require an electrician's help.
Make sure to have a trusted electrician on call, so you never have to worry about your residents walking around in the dark, stumbling and hitting their knees.
Disposal
If your rental unit has a garbage disposal, it will definitely make your renter's life easier as it can simplify the chore of washing dishes. But if they don't use it correctly, it can also clog up really fast and cause issues.
Lots of Home Maintenance Issues to Worry About
As you can see, home maintenance can literally become your biggest headache, especially if you have a lot of rental properties. Don't let this become a deterrence to renter maintenance.
Start with a home maintenance checklist and if that doesn't work for you, then think about getting a property management service to take care of things for you.
Contact HomeRiver Group in Northern Virginia today to get started!
