No tenant or landlord is in love with the aspect of property maintenance. After all, maintenance can be an inconvenience for both parties. However, it is a necessity for any property, especially when it comes to a multi-family property.
We’re not just talking about the basic deep clean once a tenant has moved out; there’s much more to the picture when it comes to proper maintenance. To ensure each rental unit is safe and in working order, landlords and tenants each have a part to play. Let’s look at what those parts are and how you can easily maintain your property.
Establish a Routine
Creating a routine around maintenance can help you maintain a property much easier. Yes, the list below may seem daunting, but remember that not all tasks are done daily or weekly. This list includes procedures that you should do seasonally and annually as well. This will ensure that your multi-family property isn’t just clean but entirely up to code and functioning properly. So, let’s take a look at some of the most common procedures.
- Maintenance of common areas
- Vital shared services are working
- Building and units are up to code
- Property repairs are fixed on time
- Seasonal maintenance is done
If you’re a landlord on your own, this could be the time to start thinking about working with a team like Rhino Property Management. Not every landlord has the time to establish a daily or even seasonal routine within a single property, let alone multiple. When you’re thinking about your ROI for any property, keep in mind your time spent. If you’re unable to keep up with property maintenance, someone still has to.
Keep Things Up to Code
As a property owner and landlord, you are responsible for providing a safe space for tenants to live in. And although you may not be doing all the handiwork on your own, it is your responsibility to comply with local building codes, as well as state and federal. Every county will have specific requirements, so be sure to find yours on your local government website. Here’s a shortlist of some of the most common requirements you’ll see.
- Preventing or treating mold
- Addressing pest problems
- Ensuring the structural integrity of the property
- Installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
- Addressing all safety issues promptly
Keeping up with these codes isn’t simply a courtesy to tenants. Those that don’t keep up with their city and state regulations can find themselves in legal battles that can shatter that dream of a high return on investment.
Preventative Maintenance is Key
Establishing a routine for maintenance is a great way to keep up with the needs of your multi-family properties, but it’s not the only thing you should have on your mind. Preventative maintenance is just as important. Strictly speaking, taking care of common maintenance tasks before an issue arises will save you both time and money. What things should you look out for during every inspection?
- Examine for pests during warmer seasons
- Check all important detectors
- Replace HVAC filters seasonally
- Pay attention to any potential water damage
- Check the condition of the roof and gutters
- Check interior and exterior walls for cracks or foundation issues
It’s especially important in states like Utah where we have major seasonal changes. Preventative maintenance can mean the difference between major water damage after a snowmelt, or a pest infestation that gets out of hand quickly in the summer months. Know your property, the issues that seem to pop up seasonally, and be prepared to prevent the issue from happening again.
Is it Time to Use Property Management?
Investing in multi-family properties can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be a copious amount of work. Many landlords that contact us simply don’t have the time to take care of their properties the way they need to. Thankfully, that’s where the Rhino team comes in. As a full-service property management company, we take care of all the rental maintenance needs.
No matter if you’re needing a team to keep up with repairs, screen tenants, or perform inspections, Rhino Property Management is here to help get the job done. Contact us today for any of your management needs throughout Salt Lake County and beyond.