16 Sep 2022

A Landlord’s Guide To Spring Maintenance

Spring is here, which also means it’s time for some spring cleaning!

This isn’t just about washing windows or clearing clutter though. If you’re a property investor, this season is also the perfect time to perform routine maintenance on your investment property.

A carefully planned springtime maintenance strategy can keep your tenants happy and maximise your rental property returns.

Read on to discover the benefits of spring maintenance, along with tips on creating an effective property maintenance plan.

Why Spring Property Maintenance Matters

Prioritising spring maintenance gives you more than a good-looking rental or investment property. It also provides the following:

Increased property longevity: Regular maintenance ensures your property lasts and remains habitable long-term.
Fewer costly updates: It’s generally more affordable to proactively maintain than to wait until something breaks.
Reduced risk of insurance issues: If you neglect routine maintenance, your insurance company might be less likely to pay if something goes wrong.
Stronger tenant relationships: Your tenants appreciate it when you take care of your rental property, making them more likely to continue renting from you long-term.

These advantages also add up to more returns on your investment. When you care for your property, reduce the number of insurance claims filed, and foster solid relationships with your tenants, you’ll enjoy consistent cash flow and earn more money.

Property Maintenance Basics

Many property owners and investors don’t realise what proper property maintenance entails. To keep your investment property in good shape, you must do the following:

Conduct Regular Property Inspections

Regular inspections allow you to check on your property and identify potential problems sooner rather than later. Your inspection frequency depends on your insurance company’s requirements, but many recommend inspections every 90 days.

Prioritise Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance saves you from expensive repairs. It also reduces the number of headaches you have to deal with as a landlord. Be proactive and address problems as soon as they arise instead of waiting until they escalate.

Address Specific Tenant Requests

If your tenants notice issues and ask you to repair them, take those requests seriously. Not only does this help you maintain relationships with your tenants, but it also prevents more significant concerns from developing.

Invest in Long-Term Solutions

Resist the urge to cut corners and use temporary fixes for problems with your rental property. It’s better to invest in long-term solutions. They might cost more upfront, but they’ll likely save you money down the road.

Ensure Legal Compliance

Good property management prioritises legal compliance. Protect yourself from potential legal trouble by abiding by all of Australia’s specific property maintenance and tenant rights laws.

Spring Property Maintenance Essentials

If you want to ensure you’re meeting the standard for “good” property maintenance, you should include the following tasks on your spring maintenance checklist:

Check for General Cleanliness

If dirt and grime build up throughout the property, especially in the bathroom and kitchen, you may end up with stains that are hard (or impossible) to remove. A lack of cleanliness can also contribute to pest infestations, which you (and your tenants) definitely don’t want to deal with.

Address Wear and Tear

Some wear and tear are normal, even when you have superb tenants renting your property.

Look for issues like lifted carpets, damaged electrical sockets, or loose exterior fittings, and make plans to repair or replace them as soon as possible. The sooner you address these matters, the less likely you are to deal with major problems later.

Assess Roof Condition

If your roof is in bad shape, you’re setting yourself and your tenants up for severe problems (leaks, high utility bills, pest infestations, etc.). During spring maintenance, ensure the roof is watertight and has sufficient ceiling insulation.

Don’t feel confident enough to climb up on the roof? Hire a professional to check things out (it’s much cheaper than waiting until your tenants report a leak!).

Ensure Aircon Is Working

If your property has aircon, make sure it’s working efficiently. Change the filter, too, to prevent dirt and dust from circulating.

If your property doesn’t have aircon, consider installing a ceiling fan. We all know how hot Australia gets in the spring and summer, and your tenants will appreciate you going the extra mile to keep them cool.

Check Pipes and Taps

Check out the kitchen and all bathrooms on the property, looking at the taps and pipes for leaks or signs of wear. Even tiny leaks can escalate quickly if they’re not managed. When leaks go unmanaged, they can also damage cabinets or floorboards and cause mould growth.

Look for Signs of Mould

Look for signs of mould or dampness throughout the property, especially on the bathroom walls and ceilings. You must address mould and mildew immediately. Otherwise, they can spread, damage your property, or wreak havoc on your tenants' health.

Evaluate the Garden for Hazards

During your inspection, take a walk outside and check for outdoor hazards. Potential garden issues include low-hanging tree branches (which can obstruct power lines) or shrubs growing too close to the property (this can create a pathway for pests to enter).

Test Smoke Alarms

All smoke alarms should have batteries and work properly to prevent fire and smoke damage. Also, if your tenants have removed any smoke alarms, you must locate and replace them.

Start Your Spring Maintenance Plan Today

When you prioritise spring maintenance for your investment property, you give your tenants a great place to live and set yourself up for better returns.

Are you unsure how you will find time to handle all the spring maintenance essentials mentioned above?

If you live interstate or overseas, it can be particularly tough to make time to check on your property and ensure it’s in good shape.

Luckily, a property management company like Aurora Realty Brisbane can help.

We strive to build strong relationships with our clients and are eager to work with you to build wealth and assets strategically.