Landlord's guide to summer preventative maintenance

Summer is here, and as a landlord, it's important to keep your rental property in tip-top shape for the season. One crucial step is to carry out preventative maintenance on the property. Preventative maintenance involves taking proactive measures to identify and fix potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs.

Below we’ll outline some items to check and maintain for the summer months, but before that, here’s why preventative maintenance is so important as a landlord:

Keep your tenants happy and comfortable

Summer can be uncomfortable, especially if the air conditioning isn't working! By carrying out preventative maintenance on the HVAC system, you can ensure it's in good working condition and ready to handle the hot temperatures. Additionally, you can inspect and clean the gutters, repair leaky roofs, and fix any plumbing issues. These measures will ensure that your tenants are comfortable and happy in your rental property during the summer.

Save money on costly repairs

Preventative maintenance can help identify potential problems early on, allowing you to fix them before they become bigger and more expensive to repair. For example, if you notice a small leak in the roof, you can fix it before it causes significant damage to the property - drywall and water do not go well together. Regular maintenance of appliances and systems such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical can also help extend their lifespan, saving you money on replacements and repairs.

Minimize liability risks

As a landlord, it’s your job to ensure that your rental property is safe for your tenants. By carrying out preventative maintenance, you can identify potential safety hazards such as loose railings, faulty wiring, or uneven flooring. By addressing these issues early, you can prevent accidents from occurring, minimizing your liability risks. At the end of the day we all want residents and tenants to be safe and healthy.

Without further adieu, here’s your summer preventative maintenance checklist:

1.  Check the air conditioning: Make sure that the air conditioning unit is clean and free of debris, and that it is working properly. Replace the air filter if necessary.
2. Inspect the roof: Check for any damage or leaks on the roof, and replace any missing or damaged shingles - summer is a great time to tackle any roof issues. Trim any overhanging branches that could cause damage to the roof during summer storms.
3. Clean gutters and downspouts: Clear any debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage to the house. Ensure that the downspouts direct water away from the foundation of the house.
   Test outdoor lighting: Make sure that all outdoor lighting is working properly, including porch lights, landscape lighting, and motion sensors.
4. Clean and inspect windows: Clean windows inside and out, and check for any damage. Replace any damaged screens, and repair any damaged window seals.
5. Check irrigation systems: Inspect and test any irrigation systems to ensure that they are working properly. Replace any broken or damaged sprinkler heads.

Happy landlording, everyone! If you ever have any maintenance-specific questions, we’re always available and happy to help.