Being a landlord comes with many challenges, and one of the most important challenges to constantly navigate is property maintenance. Regular upkeep of your property is essential not only for tenant satisfaction, but also for preserving the long-term value of your property. Here are some of the most common maintenance issues landlords face and steps to prevent them.
Plumbing
Plumbing issues are one of the most common problems landlords can face, causing significant headaches for both tenants and landlords. Issues may stem from old age, poor installation, or just normal wear and tear. Ignoring plumbing issues can lead to costly damages such as mold growth, water leaks, and deterioration. Common issues include:
- Leaky faucets
- Clogged toilets
- Clogged drains
- Malfunctioning water heater
It is important to identify minor leaks and clogs as soon as possible to prevent the issues from growing into bigger problems. Conducting routine plumbing inspections and educating tenants on proper disposal practices are great preventative measures.
Roofing
Roofing damage has the potential to be one of the costliest maintenance issues landlords can face if left unattended. Issues can stem from weather exposure, lack of maintenance, and structural wear and tear. Common issues include:
- Water leaks from ceilings
- Clogged gutters
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Mold growth on upper floors
To address these issues before they become a threat to weaken the structural integrity of your property, you should conduct roof inspections during the spring and fall, as well as after major storms. Gutters and downspouts should be regularly cleaned to prevent blockages, and usage of high-quality roofing materials should be considered to enhance the roof’s durability and longevity.
HVAC
A well-maintained HVAC system is crucial for tenant comfort throughout the year. Most HVAC problems stem from heating, cooling, and airflow issues that include:
- Dirty/clogged air filters
- Inadequate cooling
- Compressor failures
- Refrigerant leaks
It is recommended that you have your HVAC equipment inspected once per year, however it is also important to encourage tenants to report unusual noises, weak airflow, or inconsistent heating and cooling before issues escalate. Upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC systems is a great way to prevent some of these issues.
Pests
Whilst it may begin as an unwanted nuisance in the property, the presence of pests such as termites, ants, roaches, rats, and mice, may grow to a larger infestation and cause extensive damage to your property in addition to potential health hazards.
Landlords should ensure all cracks, gaps, holes, and any other entry points pests could use are sealed. Should a pest infestation arise, professional pest control services should be called immediately to manage the situation. Educating tenants on proper food storage and cleanliness can minimize pest attraction, as well as ensuring garbage disposal areas are well maintained and emptied regularly, are great preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of infestations.
At VIRANI, we have an experienced team of property management experts that are happy to help rental property owners with any questions. To find out more, contact us or call us at 604 913 1000.