One of the best reasons to work with a Grand Rapids property management company is maintenance. Every rental property will need routine repairs from time to time, and even emergencies will occur once in a while that require an immediate and urgent response.
We help owners save money on maintenance costs, and we also provide a 24/7 response team and an in-house maintenance staff to take care of minor, everyday repairs.
There are several tips we can provide to keeping your repair costs down.
Preventative Maintenance: HVAC Systems
Preventative maintenance will ensure you aren’t surprised by unreported or deferred maintenance issues. Those costs are always higher than owners expect. If you’re consistent with having your HVAC system serviced and inspected every year, you’re going to extend its life expectancy and ensure it’s functional, efficient, and safe.
Many owners will even schedule a bi-annual inspection, which is an especially good idea in Grand Rapids, where we have dramatically cold winters and humid summers. This preventative maintenance tip will help you save money in the long run, and it will also prevent your tenants from losing heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. The system will run efficiently, and also the HVAC technician can let you know if and when it needs to be replaced. That reduces expensive surprises.
Pay Attention to Rental Property Plumbing
Water can be damaging to your rental property, and not only do drips become leaks and then floods; water left unattended can turn into mold and rot under sinks, behind walls, and beneath floors. You want to make sure you’re inspecting your plumbing on a regular basis. Respond to any plumbing issues right away to save yourself money on larger issues.
Invest what you can in your plumbing fixtures, as well. Toilets will leak, they can stop flushing, and they can run all the time. We have found that finding a great mid-range toilet that has good water pressure and flushes well cuts out a lot of issues that rental property owners often run into. Sometimes that cost associated with installing a better toilet can negate one or two service calls. Replace your old toilets with safer, more efficient models.
Move-In Maintenance Checklists Are Essential
Last but not least, having a thorough move-in process and a checklist in place for everything that’s needed before a new tenant moves in, you’ll make sure you’re providing a well-maintained home to new residents. This is going to help your cash flow and increase your tenant retention, which can also save you a lot of money.
Your move-in condition checklist will document the condition of your property. This allows you to hold tenants accountable for any damage they caused at the end of the lease term. Be detailed and take a lot of photos.
We can help you save money on maintenance with our in-house maintenance staff as well as our outstanding network of professional vendors and contractors who are licensed and insured. We’re responsive and accessible when it comes to maintenance, and that saves you money on repairs and tenant retention.
Contact us at Short South Realty Group for more information.