Maintenance Doesn’t Have to be Stressful
Owning a rental property in Arizona not only comes with plenty of opportunities, but it also comes with unique maintenance challenges. Extreme summer temperatures, intense sunlight, monsoon storms, and heavy air conditioning use can all put additional stress on a property.
For landlords, preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to protect an investment. Instead of waiting for something to break, regular inspections and maintenance can help identify problems early, potentially reducing costly repairs and keeping tenants comfortable.
Here at Stone Rent – Real Estate Property Management LLC, we want to provide you with the important preventative maintenance areas that every Mesa property owner should always consider and be aware of.
The Benefits of Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance isn’t simply about fixing things before they break. It can help property owners protect their investment, maintain the property’s condition, reduce unexpected expenses, and provide tenants with a better rental experience.
For Arizona property owners, preventative maintenance is particularly important because this state’s climate can place significant stress on homes and their major systems. It also will reduce a landlord’s stress because it will reduce the frequencies of maintenance emergencies and last minute repairs.
1. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Air conditioning is essential for Arizona rental properties, particularly during the hottest months of the year. Because of this, it is a home system that is being used constantly at its highest setting. An HVAC system that isn’t property maintained may have difficulty keeping a home comfortable and could require more frequent repairs.
Property owners should follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and have qualified professionals inspect the system as appropriate. Simple tasks such as replacing air filters can also help keep the system operating property.
2. Inspect the Roof
Arizona’s combination of intense sun and seasonal storms can put wear on roofing materials. Property owners should periodically look for signs of:
Damaged or deteriorating roofing materials
Leaks
Water stains
Damaged flashing
Debris
Problems around roof penetrations
Roof problems are often easier and less expensive to address when discovered early. This will also help prevent exterior issues from becoming interior issues.
3. Prepare for Monsoon Season
Arizona’s monsoon season can bring strong winds, heavy rain, dust, and lightning. Before severe weather arrives, property owners should inspect areas that could become vulnerable during storms. This can include:
Gutters and drainage systems
Roofs
Trees and branches
Fences
Exterior doors
Windows
Outdoor structures
By keeping drainage pathways clear, you can also help reduce the risk of water accumulating around the property.
4. Check Plumbing Regularly
Small plumbing problems can quickly become expensive if they aren’t addressed. Property owners and managers should pay attention to leaking faucets, running toilets, slow drains, water stains, and other signs of potential plumbing problems. Outdoor plumbing and irrigation systems should also be inspected periodically, particularly after periods of extreme weather.
5. Maintain Landscaping
Landscaping can have a major effect on a property’s appearance. However, Arizona’s desert climate requires careful consideration when maintaining plants, grass, and irrigation systems.
Property owners can consider drought-tolerant landscaping and should regularly check irrigation systems for leaks or damaged components. Trees should also be maintained appropriately, particularly when branches could potentially interfere with structures, vehicles, or utility lines.
6. Inspect Doors and Windows
Small gaps around doors and windows can allow cooled air to escape and hot outdoor air to enter. This will also cause the tenant to be using more air conditioning or heating than what would be necessary. Be sure to check weatherstripping, seals, screens, locks, and frames for signs of damage.
Replacing worn weatherstripping or repairing damaged seals can help maintain the property’s condition and improve comfort.
7. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety devices should be inspected regularly to ensure they’re functioning properly. Property owners should make sure required smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and maintained according to applicable laws and manufacturer instructions. Batteries and devices should be replaced when necessary.
8. Don’t Forget to Check Appliances
Rental property appliances can represent a significant expense when they fail unexpectedly. Regularly checking appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and washing machines can help identify problems early on. Owners should also follow manufacturer recommendations for cleaning and maintenance and make tenants aware of what these maintenance requirements are.
9. Document Maintenance
Keeping good records is an important part of professional property management. Maintenance records can include:
Date of service
Description of the issue
Work performed
Vendor information
Cost of repairs
Receipts and invoices
Good, proper documentation makes it easier to track the property’s maintenance history, keep you organized, and plan for future expenses.
10. Respond Quickly to Tenant Reports
Tenants are often the first people to notice a maintenance problem since they are the ones living in the home. A strange noise from an air conditioner, a small leak, or an unusual electrical issue may seem minor at first. However, addressing these concerns promptly can help prevent them from becoming larger problems.
Property owners should provide tenants with a clear way to submit maintenance requests and should establish a process for determining which requests require immediate attention.
Property Maintenance Doesn’t Have to be Difficult
Being proactive with property maintenance will reduce costs, stress, and keep the property in the best condition it can be in so it can be presentable and livable for the tenant. However, keeping up with maintenance can be challenging for owners who have multiple rental properties, live far away from their properties, or simply do not have the time to coordinate repairs and inspections.
A professional property management company can help coordinate routine maintenance, respond to tenant requests, communicate with vendors, and keep owners informed about the condition of their properties.
Here at Stone Rent – Real Estate Property Management LLC, we want to keep you informed on what preventative maintenance you can do to your property to protect your investment. We want to help benefit you in any way we can, whether that is providing you with information or helping you manage your property.
