Routine home maintenance can help minimize the repair costs you have to make on your Orlando rental property because it’s preventative and proactive. Scheduling routine inspections and service is a great way to protect the condition of your investment home. It also ensures your property is safe and habitable for current and future tenants.
Some of the most common and routine home maintenance issues can prevent expensive property repairs. Pay special attention to water and plumbing issues, appliances, landscaping, and your heating and cooling system.
Water Damage and Your Orlando Rental Home
Water and moisture will cause damage to your property than anything else, and it can be especially difficult to avoid in Florida.
Routinely check for leaks. Look under sinks and check ceilings and walls for discoloration or damp surfaces. If you leave a leak to get worse, that moisture will lead to rot and mold. Those can create health problems for your tenants and increase what you have to spend to remedy the situation.
Check your home ventilation and respond immediately when a tenant reports a problem with the plumbing, whether it’s a running toilet or a leaky sink. Remember to clean out the gutters when necessary and check your irrigation system.
In Orlando, the summer brings a lot of water. There are daily rain storms, and they’re usually intense. Make sure there isn’t any way for those storms to bring water into your property.
Inspect the Landscaping and Trees
If your Orlando rental property is surrounded by trees, there’s a danger that the branches will get too close to power lines. This could cause fires, so keep the trees trimmed. You also don’t want branches, leaves, and debris to gather on your roof or in your gutters. Hire a professional to trim back branches on a regular basis so they don’t interfere with the wires or with your property’s roof.
Make sure the landscaping isn’t creating a safety hazard. Overgrown bushes in front of the house can block windows, leaving tenants vulnerable. Make sure there is plenty of exterior lighting and keep the outdoor spaces free of weeds, branches, and debris. Invest in pest control services as part of your routine maintenance plan to avoid infestations.
Service Your Heating and Cooling Units
The climate in Orlando is typically hot, even outside of summer. The air conditioning will really tested, so schedule annual visits from an HVAC technician to check your cooling system. Prevent expensive emergency repairs by having the entire system inspected, cleaned, and maintained regularly.
Make sure your tenants know to change the air filters regularly. Not only does this protect your property; it also keeps their energy costs lower and provides better air quality for their home.
Paying attention to routine maintenance saves money and increases the value of your investment. If you have any questions about maintenance or anything pertaining to Orlando property management, please contact our talented team at Park Avenue Property Management. We’d be happy to tell you more.