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Rental Property Maintenance

Sunday, March 12, 2017   /   by Jessica Holcomb

Rental Property Maintenance

If you are thinking about investing in a rental property or already own one here are some great maintenance tips to help you keep your property on a schedule.

Roof - Check out the roof twice a year such as Spring and Fall. Inspect the flashing, vents, chimney areas and look for leaks, loose or missing shingles, areas of high wear, mold and/or moss, tree branches that come in contact with the roof or any other possible damage. 

Windows & Doors - Inspect doors, windows, and screens twice a year. Check the locks, and look for broken or cracked windows, and missing or damaged screens. Check all caulking and seams for deterioration and replace as needed. Keep an eye out for loose hinges or any hardware that is worn-out or missing.

Exposed Foundation - Inspect at least once per year and look for leaning walls, bulges, curves, cracks and otherwise broken brick, block, or mortar. 

Gutters - Check your gutters twice a year - Spring and Fall, inspecting gutters, downspouts and drain pipes. Remove debris and clear any blockages and look for leaves, leaks, paint deterioration and seam splitting. Inspect for loose and rotted areas.

Attic - Check twice a year - Spring and Fall, and inspect ridge, gable and soffit vents as well as insulation and roof supports. Check attic vents to ensure there are not any obstructions and check for evidence of pests, water stains, rot, mildew or fungus. Also be sure to check insulation for moisture.

Heating & Cooling - Inspect vents, monthly and change filters unless otherwise instructed. Window air conditioners should either be removed or winterized in the fall. All systems should be serviced by a professional annually. Listen for unusual noises and look for excessive buildup of dirt in a forced air system. Inspect the gas furnace exhaust pipe for loose or corroded sections and check for burn marks or signs of corrosion around the heat shield.

Siding & Paint - Inspect twice a year Spring and Fall, and clean siding and repair as needed. Check for cracks, signs of moisture, and evidence of pests in the siding. Look for paint that is peeling, cracking or bubbling and repair as necessary.

Fireplace / Chimney - Inspect the fireplace and chimney annually and clean flue and dispose of ashes. Look for debris, crumbling or missing mortar, cracks in the flue, moisture damage and missing rain caps. Make sure the damper closes tightly.


Safety Equipment - Inspect twice a year and replace batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Tenants should test detectors monthly. Replace the detectors entirely every 10 years. Make sure fire extinguishers are fully charged and replace if needed. A chirping noise is a sign of low batteries. 

Hot Water Heater - Inspect annually and drain the water and remove the sediment from the bottom of the tank. Make sure the temperature pressure relief valve is working properly and check the burner and ports for dirt and debris. Tankless (on demand) water heaters should be inspected for lime scale buildup.

Range/Oven - Inspect annually and look for digital error alerts, blown fuses, burned out light bulbs, worn out knobs, and stained or damaged burner drip pans. Gas flames should be blue not yellow, which could indicate issue with the air shutter or gas flow. Soot in gas burning ovens is a sign of a carbon monoxide problem.

Washer/Dryer - Inspect every 6 months for the washer's water inlet filters and check hoses for leaks. Look for lint buildup in dryer ducts and surrounding areas.

Refrigerator - Inspect every 6 months, vacuum coils if necessary for optimal efficiency. Test door seals and inspect coils if you have them. 

Toilets - Inspect every 6 months and look for leaks, water run-on, and damaged components. 

Faucets - Inspect every 6 months and check for leaky faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms and keep an eye out for washers that need to be replaced. Inspect and clean the aerator. Outdoor faucets should be shut off in the fall to prepare for freezing temperatures.

Dishwasher - Inspect annually looking for the counterbalance spring keeps the door from falling open. Check the racks for ease of movement, look for corrosion, and verify the presence of the rinse agent cap. Run the machine to ensure adequate heating. A pan full of water at the end of the cycle may indicate a bad pump.

Hopefully these tips will help you with your rental property! If you have further questions about property management or leasing please contact us!

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