Rental Property Maintenance - Do's & Don'ts
August 2, 2022
Regular property maintenance is necessary to keep the property safe, great looking and to avoid costly damages that can occur if timely property repairs are not done. It also promotes tenant satisfaction and improves the value of the rental property.
Let us understand what a rental property owner should and should not do for property maintenance.
DO’S
- Regular property inspection: This is a no brainer, but still, many rental property owners ignore conducting regular property inspections. It can delay the detection of minor damages and cause them to grow into more profound structural damages. Regular property inspections help identify damages early on and allow property owners to nip these damages in time. Plus, regular inspections motivate tenants to take better care of the property.
- Immediate resolution of maintenance issues: Delaying maintenance can elevate the problems resulting in extensive damage. These damages might become irreparable or require more expensive repair later on. For example, ignoring a pipe leakage might lead to rotten wood and mold build-up. It is also true that every maintenance issue can not be handled immediately. The best way to handle this is to understand the damage, analyze it on the priority scale, and schedule the repairs accordingly.
- Choose quality maintenance professionals: There are a lot of contractors available to perform repairs and maintain the property on an ongoing basis. It is very important that the maintenance professional is experienced, knows construction laws and has access to raw material, supplies and quality labour in the geographic location your property is. Choose someone you know and whose work you have seen. If you do not know anyone; ask for references and check out their past jobs.
DON’TS
- Don’t ignore damages done by tenants: It might be tough to identify if damage to property has been caused due to tenant’s negligence. Asking a few questions can help rental owners identify the root cause. You may be able to bill the tenant for the repairs if the tenant has been negligent.
- Don’t avoid verifying tenant complaints: Never avoid verifying a tenant’s complaint. Sometimes a tenant reports an issue and it sounds very serious. The tenant’s description might be correct, but there are instances when the tenant might be overreacting to a minor issue. Verify the reported issue to determine the appropriate action needed.
- Do not put off checking the status of maintenance tasks: Take out time to visit the property and verify if the issue has been resolved. For some issues, it may make sense to ask the tenant to accompany you in order to assure the tenant that the issue has been resolved in a proper and timely manner. It will avoid dissatisfaction and make tenants value the care shown to the tenant’s complaint.
Hiring a professional team of property managers can simplify the process. Hunter Rentals & Sales has a team of experienced property managers, property inspectors and a great maintenance team. Our team takes care of property maintenance & repairs and offers a complete property management suite of services; including rent collection, financial reporting, tenant screening, etc.
For more details on rental property maintenance, contact Hunter Rentals & Sales at 1503 W Stan Schlueter Loop, Killeen, TX – 76549 or call at (254) 634 – 3311. You can also visit
www.hunterrentals.com
Discover smart property management tips for first-time rental owners. Learn how to screen tenants, set rent, handle maintenance, and stay legally compliant for success in Killeen, TX.
Mold and mildew are persistent issues in environments with high humidity, especially during warm or rainy seasons. These fungal organisms flourish in damp, poorly ventilated spaces and can appear on a variety of surfaces, including walls, ceilings, fabrics, and furniture. Besides their unpleasant appearance and smell, mold and mildew can also cause health problems, especially for people with allergies or respiratory issues. Fortunately, with consistent maintenance and environmental control, the risks associated with mold growth can be significantly reduced. Ensure Adequate Ventilation Proper air circulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce moisture buildup indoors. Spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements are particularly susceptible due to frequent water use and steam accumulation. To address this, ensure exhaust fans are properly installed and working. You can also open windows when weather conditions permit. Using ceiling fans or portable air circulators can further enhance ventilation and minimize moisture buildup. Use Dehumidifiers Strategically Dehumidifiers play a vital role in regulating indoor humidity. By drawing moisture out of the air, they create a less hospitable environment for mold and mildew. These devices are especially helpful in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas like storage rooms, attics, and lower-level spaces. Running a dehumidifier consistently can help maintain an optimal indoor humidity level, ideally between 30% and 50%. Address Leaks and Water Intrusion Quickly Unresolved water leaks—whether from pipes, roofs, or windows—can create hidden moisture pockets that lead to mold development. Regularly inspect plumbing fixtures, roofing systems, and window seals for signs of leaks or condensation. Prompt repairs are essential to prevent long-term damage and microbial growth in hidden or hard-to-reach areas. Clean and Dry Surfaces Frequently Surfaces that remain damp for extended periods are prime targets for mold colonization. Regularly wiping down wet surfaces, such as shower walls, countertops, and window ledges, helps eliminate excess moisture. Incorporating non-toxic mold-resistant cleaners into your routine can further discourage growth. In addition, drying wet fabrics or upholstery promptly and thoroughly is essential. Monitor Humidity with Hygrometers A hygrometer is a simple, affordable tool that measures indoor humidity. By placing one in each major living area, you can keep track of moisture levels and take timely action if they rise above safe thresholds. Maintaining indoor humidity below 60% significantly lowers the risk of mold and mildew formation. Maintain HVAC Systems Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems influence indoor air quality and moisture control. When neglected, they can circulate humid air or even harbor mold in ducts and filters. Routine maintenance—including regular filter replacements and periodic professional inspections—ensures efficient operation and reduces the likelihood of hidden mold development. Store Materials with Care Materials such as books, clothing, cardboard boxes, and textiles are especially vulnerable to mold if stored in damp conditions. Keep such items off the floor, away from walls, and in well-ventilated, dry areas. Use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packs or desiccant containers in storage spaces to provide added protection. By implementing these preventive strategies, property owners and occupants can create a healthier, drier indoor environment that is resistant to mold and mildew, even during prolonged periods of high humidity. For more information on property management and maintenance tips, visit Hunter Rentals & Sales at www.hunterrentals.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. Hunter Rentals and Sales is located at 3207 East Stan Schlueter Loop, Killeen, Texas 76542, United States. Phone: (254) 634-3311
Determining market rent in Killeen, TX ensures your property stays competitively priced to attract reliable tenants quickly. It also helps maximize rental income without risking prolonged vacancies.
