Here we are again! Busting myths about rental property maintenance and management in Tamarac. Performing maintenance and repairs on rental property is inevitable, but let’s continue clearing up the myths in this five part series.
Myth #2: Tenants are Responsible for Maintenance & Repairs
Actually, tenants are not responsible for maintenance & repairs, other than simple battery and light bulb replacement, in most siuations. Maintenance and repairs are the physical and financial responsibility of the landlord. Yes, if the tenant throws a baseball through a window, they are responsible. Even so, the landlord should be notified and handle the repair, working with the tenant for the funds, or deducting from a security deposit. Sometimes an appliance breaks down during the tenant’s stay, typically the result of years of normal wear-and-tear. In which case the landlord is responsible for it’s repair or replacement.
What about preventative and regular maintenance?
Even preventative and regular maintenance tasks often left to residents, may be better handled by the landlord or property manager. For example, just because your tenants claim they are capable of regularly inspecting and replacing smoke detector batteries and furnace filters does not mean they will do so. Sometimes, just providing new batteries and filters at regular intervals will encourage your residents to do so themselves!
Municipal codes in some areas do not require landlords to handle maintenance and repairs, for their property. Even if that responsibility falls on the tenant, it’s best you do so, yourself. Tenants only rent a property – they don’t own it. So quite possibly, they won’t take the pains you will, or spend the required amount of money on maintenance and repairs. The downside to that is that the property will lose value over time, as tenants come and go. And do not forget the outside. Trees grow and gutters accumulate leaves and debris. Faucets leak and sprinkler systems jam. Keep an eye out for small problems inside and out, to stop them becoming bigger problems in the future.
So, if you have the time and are up to it, create a maintenance schedule and set aside a budget for rental property maintenance. Better still, give Real Property Management Premier a call to handle your property management chores. Our experienced managers can conduct property inspections with convenience and value in mind. And carry out routine and preventative maintenance tasks with the approval of landlords. That way you are guaranteed to keep your property in good condition, without the hassles!
Call (954) 800 4433 and talk to our experienced property manager, to help manage your Tamarac rental property