As a landlord, your primary duty (by law) is to provide a habitable dwelling for your tenants. To be certain that your property is, indeed, habitable, you will be required to perform a number of essential maintenance tasks.
Ideally, most of these tasks will not be overwhelmingly difficult or costly to accomplish. However, if neglected, little problems may escalate into more severe issues and property damage, which could require expensive repairs and restorations. If those repairs are not promptly handled, it could mean a loss of income or even lawsuits.
That is why, especially for new landlords, it is prudent to have a checklist to make sure you don’t neglect any aspect of property maintenance.
Following is a checklist that has been broken down into broad categories so you can always keep the bigger picture in mind.
Exterior
The place to start your maintenance checklist is outside the building. Give the property a once-over, paying particular attention to potentially troublesome spots like the roof and gutters.
Make sure there are no signs of wear on the shingles or debris in the gutters that could lead to rain water causing roof or foundation damage. Inspect the trees closest to the building, making sure there are no dead or dying branches that could come down during a storm and cause damage.
In fact, now would be a good time to trim back some of those tree branches so squirrels won’t have an easy access point to the roof or the attic and leaves won’t cause problems in the gutters. An affordable tool like Corona’s Long Reach Cut ‘n’ Hold Pruner, for instance, could quickly solve many pruning concerns.
(To find a professional team to take care of your yard, check out our Best Lawn Services page.)
Interior
As you move inside, inspect structural issues first.
Check for drywall cracks and take a look around the basement to be certain everything is as it should be. While scrutinizing the interior nooks and crannies, pay particular attention to any possible signs of insect or rodents. Even if the property is pristine, critters may find it appealing for nesting, which is a problem you will want to take care of quickly.
If it’s something relatively minor, like ants, a few strategically placed Terro Liquid Ant Baits might be all you need to handle your problem. Last on your list of interior maintenance hotspots, give the locks on the doors and windows a quick check to make sure they are all still functioning properly.
Water
If you stay proactive, maintenance needs involving water are typically small and easy to fix. However, if neglected, that tiny leak may eventually cause a great deal of costly structural damage.
Look for dripping faucets and leaky pipe connections, or any signs of water accumulating where you do not want it to be. Inspect the shower, making sure the grout is not deteriorating and the caulk is intact and not moldy. If you need help finding the right plumbing service, check out our page with matching tool.
Flushing the water heater to remove sediment buildup is a relatively easy task to perform, but it could save you major headaches down the road.
Lastly, check all drains for efficiency. The shower is the most troublesome drain as hair can build up in just a few weeks and cause a clogging problem, if it is not monitored. A simple maintenance solution is to install a drain hair catcher, like the highly rated model from LEKEYE.
Gas and electricity
Likely, gas and electric maintenance will require you to call in a professional, but you can still perform a quick check to make sure everything is functioning properly.
Test switches and examine outlets for cracks or burn marks. Pay attention to smells, such as those that may be associated with gas or electrical problems. One maintenance task that you can quickly and easily perform yourself is to replace the furnace filter, if needed.
Trash
As a landlord, you are responsible for providing suitable garbage and/or recycling bins. Make sure that the bins are in good condition and each includes a lid that closes — like this classic model from Rubbermaid. If this is a multi-family unit, a dumpster may be the best way to go. It might be prudent to give the area a good cleaning as loose garbage attracts pests and rodents.
Speaking of cleaning, the perfect time to give the property a thorough scrub down is before a new tenant moves in.
Safety
One of the most important areas of maintenance concern is any location or situation that involves the tenants’ safety.
Whether it is in a common area or part of a house or apartment, be sure all outdoor lighting is functional, railings are sturdy, and all stairs and stairwells are free of clutter.
Additionally, this is the time to test or replace devices such as a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, and a fire extinguisher.
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