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If you own a rental in Parker, CO, you know that managing it can seem like a part-time job. From rent collection to tenant screening, there's a lot to do.
Unfortunately, many new landlords create even more work for themselves by neglecting maintenance. This often results in small problems turning into big ones, which can have a major impact on your bottom line.
Want to ensure your property remains in good shape? Start by avoiding these common property maintenance mistakes!
Not Being Proactive
All types of properties require preventive maintenance. Ongoing care for your drains, roofs, and gutters will often prevent future emergencies. Scheduled maintenance is also less stressful and less expensive than repairs.
For this reason, it's essential to create a routine maintenance schedule. Keep in mind that a good schedule will involve specific tasks for every season. Consider hiring a good management company to help you with this task.
Drafting a Bad Lease
Your tenants play a key role in maintaining the property. The easiest way to let them know this is to draft a strong lease. The lease should include clear guidelines for any sort of maintenance they're responsible for.
If the tenant notices an issue you'll need to fix, they should know how to alert you. In general, it's best to have them submit maintenance requests in writing. That way, nothing can fall through the cracks.
Not Talking With Tenants
Landlord-tenant communication can be tricky to manage. If your tenants aren't comfortable contacting you, they may try to make rental repairs on their own. Depending on the severity of the issue, this can be a bad idea.
To avoid this problem, make it a point to reach out to your tenants from time to time. Let them know you're available to talk when they need you. If they do put in a maintenance request, respond to it as quickly as possible.
Ignoring Local Codes
All rental property owners should be familiar with their local building codes. These are the laws that ensure the safety of people living in your rental. Complying with them is an essential part of maintaining a property.
For instance, let's say you want to make HVAC maintenance easier by upgrading to a newer unit. Before doing so, you'll have to check your local codes to ensure the new unit is the right fit for your rental.
Not Scheduling Enough Inspections
When you live in a home, it's easy to tell when it needs maintenance. You can see the clogged gutters and blocked drains with your own eyes. With a rental property, the only way to know for sure is to schedule enough inspections.
Beyond routine inspections, Colorado landlords have the right to perform drive-by inspections. This involves checking the exterior for lease violations. You can also conduct quarterly assessments of the property itself.
Avoid These Property Maintenance Mistakes
The bottom line: property maintenance mistakes are easy to make. If you're a new landlord, you've likely already made some slip-ups outlined above. Do your best to stay aware of them to keep repeating them down the road!
Looking to make the maintenance process a bit easier? PMI Parker offers 24/7 customer support for both owners and tenants! Contact us here to get in touch with our property management experts!
