Owning a rental property is a great way to generate income and build wealth through capital growth. But being a landlord isn’t a “set and forget” kind of investment. A house or apartment is a valuable asset, so you also need to invest in its upkeep. Keeping the property in good condition is in your best interests to ensure it maintains its value. Maintaining your Investment Property the Easy Way! Most sensible investors take on professional help when it comes to their rental property management. Rochester NY is one city that’s becoming popular with investors, not just due to the demand for quality rentals, but also because there are highly renowned local management companies at their disposal. Setting out a comprehensive maintenance schedule designed to fit your property’s needs is just one of the many tasks they’ll take on – but it’s one that will save you a lot of headaches. Here’s what an annual maintenance schedule should include. Safety and Security The safety and security of your tenants is paramount and, as a landlord (as set out in a lease), you’re responsible for aspects of that. Installation of security and safety devices is not enough; they need to be checked to ensure they are working. Locks and any security devices on all windows and doors need to be checked at least once or twice a year. If they are not functioning at an optimal level, they should be replaced. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors need to be checked regularly (there is legal compliance for this, so be aware of your responsibilities) and replaced where necessary. Inside the Property While it’s a broad term, there’s a lot of things inside a rental house or apartment that need to be checked “regularly”. As mentioned, there should be a schedule drawn up to keep track of this, so check with your rental property management. Rochester NY can have extremes in weather, which can affect things both inside and outside your property – so it’s important to stay on top of things. HVAC systems (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) need to be checked for functionality and undergo regular maintenance by a professional. Electricals (including switches, outlets and fixtures) need to be tested by an electrician to ensure they’re working and safe. Plumbing is another vital aspect that must be checked on schedule to pre-empt any major malfunctions (and expensive repairs). Fixtures like toilets, sinks, drains, and faucets should be tested. Walls and floors need to be examined for damage like cracks, watermarks, active leaks, or any wear and tear that’s gone too far and requires replacement. The Exterior of the Property Exterior maintenance can be a scary prospect, and many people shy away from doing regular checks at the thought of what they might find! But just ask your professional rental property management - Rochester NY’s weather is a very good reason not to ignore it. The roof is the big one and this should be checked annually, and more often after a serious weather event. Things like cracked or broken tiles, leaks, damaged gutters and downpipes all need immediate attention to prevent potentially catastrophic structural or foundational damage. Exterior walls and windows also need attention, to check for water damage, leaks cracks, or signs of deterioration. A successful landlord never scrimps on maintaining their investment – not only for the sake of tenant satisfaction and retention, but also to protect their biggest financial asset. But it doesn’t have to be daunting when you employ the services of professional rental property management. Rochester NY experts are waiting to help! Author Plate Danny Torres is from Torres Turn Key, a property management company in Rochester NY with more than ten years’ experience providing a holistic service for both domestic and international investors. When it comes to rental property management, Rochester NY is one of the most exciting areas to invest in both commercial and residential properties. The company brings together a host of experience and specialist knowledge to build long-term relationships and create maximum value and benefit for their customers.
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