Spring Maintenance Tips For Your Rental Property
Winter may be the perfect season for moisture, but it's not a welcome addition to your buy-to-let investment. Ignoring moisture in a property can result in the rapid growth of mould and mildew, which not only damages the property's appearance but also puts your tenants' health at risk.
As the temperature rises in the spring, it's an opportune time to inspect the property for signs of damp or mould, including areas like the attic and basement. Opening windows frequently promotes proper airflow, but to prevent harmful mould growth, it's advisable to install a dehumidifier. If dampness is present, it's best to have a professional contractor inspect and promptly address the issue.
Spring Maintenance Tips For Your Rental Property
Although the cold weather seemed never-ending, spring has arrived at last, and the temperatures are starting to climb again. This presents an excellent opportunity for buy-to-let owners to revamp their rental properties and prepare for prospective tenants who are on the lookout for a new abode, be it repairing winter-related damage or attending to frequently overlooked maintenance duties. By following these spring maintenance pointers, you can ensure that your rental property is ready for the market in a jiffy.
Regular Maintenance is Invaluable
Although rental maintenance can seem like an arduous task that can be postponed, taking good care of your investment can result in long-term savings. Maintenance typically accounts for approximately one-fifth of a landlord's rental income, but it offers benefits that make it a worthwhile pursuit.
Maintenance not only enhances the attractiveness of your rental property to potential tenants, but it also helps prevent structural damage, saves energy on property upkeep, and ensures that all systems within the property are functioning properly to avoid repairs and problems for tenants. A well-maintained property is less likely to experience a high turnover rate, which can save you money in the long run as the owner.
Check Seals and Locks on Windows and Doors
Winter may be the perfect season for moisture, but it's not a welcome addition to your buy-to-let investment. Ignoring moisture in a property can result in the rapid growth of mould and mildew, which not only damages the property's appearance but also puts your tenants' health at risk.
As the temperature rises in the spring, it's an opportune time to inspect the property for signs of damp or mould, including areas like the attic and basement. Opening windows frequently promotes proper airflow, but to prevent harmful mould growth, it's advisable to install a dehumidifier. If dampness is present, it's best to have a professional contractor inspect and promptly address the issue.
Likewise, the winter weather can also have an impact on external buildings, such as garages. It is recommended to have this area of the property serviced to ensure that the garage door is balanced correctly and that the springs have enough resistance to keep it secure and safe against the constant barrage of frost, rain, and snow.
Clean Out Gutters and Inspect the Roof
While spring brings regular rain showers, it does not mean we are in the clear. If your guttering has accumulated leaves and debris from the winter season, you could be at risk of a leaky roof or damp issues in the adjoining wall of the building. Cleaning out the guttering on your rental property may not be enjoyable, but it is an essential aspect of property maintenance. It is a quick task that could save you a significant amount in repair costs.
If you are the owner of a house, you are responsible for the property's roof, which is a significant investment that requires proper care. Neglecting it could result in hefty repair bills in the future. Consider having a qualified roofing professional inspect the roof for damage or deterioration, as holes can put your property at risk of damage to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. If any issues are detected, it is best to address them promptly.
Monitor the Property for Moisture Build-up
Winter may be the perfect season for moisture, but it's not a welcome addition to your buy-to-let investment. Ignoring moisture in a property can result in the rapid growth of mould and mildew, which not only damages the property's appearance but also puts your tenants' health at risk.
As the temperature rises in the spring, it's an opportune time to inspect the property for signs of damp or mould, including areas like the attic and basement. Opening windows frequently promotes proper airflow, but to prevent harmful mould growth, it's advisable to install a dehumidifier. If dampness is present, it's best to have a professional contractor inspect and promptly address the issue.
Make Sure Smoke Detectors are in Working Order
Smoke detectors are a vital component for any rental property, but their mere installation is insufficient. To be a responsible landlord, it's necessary to ensure that the detectors are functional and that their batteries are regularly replaced. By developing a habit of replacing batteries annually, preferably in the spring, you guarantee that they are being replaced at least once a year. However, as a precautionary measure, it's also crucial to check them periodically throughout the year.
Give Carpets and Upholstery a Deep Clean
Spring is an excellent season to thoroughly clean carpets and sofas if you have a furnished rental property. Despite making the property more attractive and comfortable, they quickly accumulate dust, stains, and debris from outdoor activities and food spills. Therefore, hiring a professional cleaner or purchasing a wet and dry vacuum cleaner to deep clean these areas is advisable. This process eliminates allergens, rejuvenates furniture, and enhances the room's appearance.
This cleaning exercise not only improves the property's hygiene and freshness, but it also benefits from the warmer weather that aids the rapid drying of the furniture and floors after cleaning. Therefore, spring is the perfect season to undertake this task and cross it off your to-do list.
Boost Kerb Appeal with Landscaping
Finally, it's crucial to verify that any attached outdoor space to the property is well-maintained and organized during spring. This enhances the home's kerb appeal for prospective tenants while preventing the garden from becoming an entangled mess or the patio from being covered in moss or cracks. During spring, it's ideal to wipe down any garden furniture, powerwash the patio slabs, and fix any damaged fence panels that may have loosened or broken in winter.
Ensuring your property is in excellent condition and visually appealing not only attracts the right tenants but also motivates them to take better care of the property, ultimately reducing your long-term maintenance efforts.
