Rental vacancy rates are rising across Maryland, meaning increased competition among landlords looking to fill their vacant rental homes. Undertaking regular property maintenance is one way to give you an edge in the Hyattsville residential rental scene.
Keeping your property in great condition involves several important facts. Skimping one of them can lead to increased costs and even disaster. Read on to discover the types of maintenance you must include in your schedule and how property managers can help keep you on track.
Types of Maintenance
Keeping your property well-maintained helps preserve its value and attract tenants.
There are two main types of maintenance involved in property management. These are routine maintenance tasks and preventive maintenance.
Routine maintenance refers to things you must do regularly to ensure the safety and habitability of your building. It includes things like changing smoke detector batteries and replacing HVAC filters.
Skimping on these tasks can hamper the efficiency of your home, cause things to stop working, or create legal complications.
Preventive maintenance involves caring for the components of your home to prevent breakdowns. This type of maintenance helps you avoid unnecessary repairs and prolongs the lifespan of your building's components.
There are a few types of preventive maintenance you should pay attention to.
Exterior Maintenance
Your building's envelope is vital for ensuring your tenants's safety and preserving the building's curb appeal. Maintaining your building's exterior includes the following:
- Roof inspections and repairs
- Gutter cleaning and repairs
- Siding, windows, and doors
- Garage door checks
- Checking driveways and walkways for cracks
In some cases, you can arrange for your tenants to undertake some maintenance tasks, like lawn care, but you must stipulate this in the lease agreement.
Interior Maintenance
Interior maintenance ensures your tenants' comfort and helps limit the risk of damage to your home. It includes aspects like:
- Plumbing maintenance to avoid leaks and blockages
- HVAC services and inspection
- Safety equipment checks
- Lighting and electrical inspections
- Checking kitchen appliances
Regular inspections by a property manager ensure early detection of any problems. These professionals also help coordinate repairs, negotiate the best prices, facilitate contractor payments, and manage record-keeping.
Seasonal Maintenance
Seasonal maintenance involves caring for your rental home according to prevailing or predicted weather conditions. It includes things like:
- Fall gutter clearing
- Bi-annual HVAC systems inspections
- Snow removal
- Landscaping and lawn care
- Weatherproofing your home
Staying up-to-date with these tasks not only preserves the appearance of the home but also prevents expensive repairs due to weather damage.
Property Managers Make Maintenance Easy
Coordinating and keeping track of all the maintenance required for an investment property can sometimes seem like a full-time job. Hiring a property management firm helps free up your time, so you can focus on more enjoyable things knowing your property is in good hands.
PMI PG County is supported by a franchise known for its property management innovations. Our property managers are committed to maintaining your property's condition to preserve its value and limit costly vacancies.
Explore an easier way to make the most of your Maryland investment homes today.
