Property maintenance is essential to your job as a property owner or manager. An annual maintenance plan will help you keep track of the important tasks to keep your property in the best shape possible.
Every landlord and property manager knows how essential annual maintenance is for the health and well-being of both the properties they rent out and the people living in them. Developing an annual maintenance plan can be an ideal way to ensure that your properties remain well-maintained and looking their best.
Maintenance upkeep is also key to maintaining your property’s value, as a house in good shape, with well-maintained amenities, will be worth more, whether you aim to sell or rent it. Create a timeline and task list for your property and when certain tasks need to be completed. Consider the importance of these necessary tasks to develop an annual maintenance plan for your rental property.
Learn more: Beginners’ Guide to Property Maintenance for Rentals
Create an Annual and Semi-Annual Task List
There are many small tasks that a landlord should be aware of to maintain the properties they own. While some of these tasks should be performed more frequently, every few months, for example, they should be completed at least every year. You should regularly check on your units’ smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, air filters, pipes, and other similar essential items to ensure your tenants’ enjoyment of the home.
Know the expected lifespan of your air filters so they are replaced on time. Check these necessary maintenance tasks any time you do a walkthrough of the property, which should be done every six months or so. Regular property inspections are a must-have for keeping up with annual and seasonal maintenance.
Learn more: 5 Small Maintenance Tasks That Landlords Can’t Overlook
Develop a To-Do List for Every Season
Each season carries with it unique maintenance tasks depending on the region your properties are located in. If you experience the typical four seasons, you can expect maintenance needs similar to those in these seasonal maintenance suggestions. You may not need to do some tasks depending on the severity of the seasonal weather, but it is important to have them in mind.
Spring Maintenance
When spring begins, your priorities are clearing up after winter’s storms and cold weather and preparing for sunny days ahead. Roof maintenance is important at any time, including spring, and landscaping will become important as plants begin growing again, so it is ideal to get a jump on this landscaping work.
Important spring maintenance tasks include:
- Checking and cleaning gutters
- Cleaning foundation vents
- Checking for moisture buildup
- Cleaning and updating landscaping for spring
Learn more: Spring Property Maintenance Checklist for Your Rentals
Summer Maintenance
Summer brings with it pools, sunny days, and lots of landscaping. Whether you’re preparing for the beginning of the summer or looking further into its end, there are lots of tasks you can accomplish during the summer.
Summer maintenance tasks include:
- Pool cleaning
- Servicing outdoor amenities
- Checking irrigation systems
- Servicing A/C units
- Checking on fire prevention measures
Learn more: Summer Maintenance for Your Rental Property
Fall Maintenance
When fall comes around, your priorities should shift to heating, pest control and prevention, and removing slip-and-trip hazards before winter arrives.
Essential fall maintenance includes:
- Checking windows, weather stripping, and chimneys
- Maintaining stairs, walkways, and handrails
- Cleaning gutters
- Checking attics and basements for holes and damage
Learn more: Rental Property Fall Maintenance- Video
Winter Maintenance
In the winter, you should focus on ensuring the weather cannot damage your pipes, roofs, and insulation. You should also prepare to respond to winter emergencies, such as blizzards or fallen branches and trees.
Winter property maintenance tasks include:
- Checking gutters
- Checking roofs
- Pruning foliage
- Checking pipes
- Weatherproofing windows and doors
- Preventing slips
Learn more: Tips for Winter Property Maintenance: For Landlords
Find Reliable Maintenance Workers
Reliable maintenance vendors are an essential component of your annual maintenance plan, as they ensure that the work you need done is performed correctly. If you can find reliable maintenance people, aim to develop a strong relationship with them and go back to them any time you need maintenance that they can do. It may even be advisable to find maintenance people early in their careers and continue working with them as they develop their skills.
An alternative option is to do your rental maintenance yourself. This may be a good option for a small-scale landlord, but the time required to maintain multiple properties yourself can get out of hand quickly. Don’t be afraid to DIY your rental property maintenance, but be aware of this time requirement if you scale significantly.
Learn more: What to Do When Struggling With Maintenance Workers
Final Thoughts
Annual maintenance is essential for the well-being of your property. Develop an annual maintenance plan to ensure that you can keep your property and your tenants in the best state possible. Good maintenance makes for great tenancies.
