If you’re a property manager, you know that there are many tasks you need to accomplish every day. You’re in charge of collecting rent, finding and managing tenants, and any maintenance that needs to be done. Partnering with one of the excellent property management companies Fresno can help make some of these tasks infinitely easier, but there is still a lot to be done.
The constant daily work can often lead to the inability to take a look at the overall maintenance of your property. With this annual maintenance checklist, you’ll make sure your property is always in excellent working condition without neglecting the day-to-day tasks that make your tenants happy.
Check the condition of common spaces
When you’re constantly addressing needs in individual units, it can sometimes be a struggle to remember to check common spaces. At least once a year, inspect the areas that are shared by your tenants and make any necessary repairs. This might include replacing the carpet in the stairwell, painting the walls in a shared living space, or replacing or repairing light fixtures. There shouldn’t be anything in a common space that could cause harm to a tenant or has fallen into disrepair. Stairwells are an especially important space to maintain, because a loose hand railing could cause a renter to hurt themselves which could lead to a lawsuit.
Legally, common areas must be maintained, so it’s very important that these spaces are checked annually, if not more frequently.
Service and repair plumbing, heating, and AC
Plumbing and heating repair might take place during the year, but you also need to make sure these units are always in good working condition. You might want to hire an external company to come check out your buildings to make sure everything is looking good, or if you have the experience, you could service and repair the plumbing, heating, and AC units yourself. You will most likely at least need an HVAC professional to inspect your heating unit. They will conduct a visual inspection of the heating system and will test everything to ensure it is all working properly.
Conducting an annual inspection and repair of your buildings’ plumbing, heating, and AC units will help prevent emergency repairs throughout the year and your tenants won’t have to call you to come fix their heat in the dead of winter.
Clean exterior windows and gutters
At least once a year, you should make sure all of your properties have clean windows and gutters. Cleaning the exterior windows helps improve the overall look and cleanliness of your buildings, and cleaning the gutters is essential to the health of your properties. Clogged gutters can cause water damage to the interior and exterior of the property, so keeping the gutters cleaned is a vital task. Whenever necessary, spend a few hours cleaning out the gutters and maintaining the exterior of the buildings. It’s important that you don’t neglect this task, especially when the fall leaves begin to clog the gutters.
Landscape and inspect parking lots
Maintaining the landscape of your properties is crucial. A well-maintained lawn will attract tenants and sends the message that the property manager cares about this property. It’s easy to master the landscaping basics and create a gorgeous-looking exterior. Spend some time in the spring revitalizing the look of your properties and making the buildings really feel like home for your renters.
You’ll also want to inspect any parking lots or spaces at least once a year. Take the time to fill in potholes and make any other necessary repairs. Parking lots are another example of a common space that must be maintained by the landlord or property manager, so you want to make sure your properties’ parking spaces are in excellent condition.
If you take the time each year to maintain and repair these spaces in your buildings, you’ll find that your tenants will never complain about a lack of care.