Property maintenance is perhaps one of the most dreaded tasks of a landlord or real estate agent. However, this does not mean that it should be neglected. Proper property maintenance reduces maintenance expenses and assures you of a long-term relationship with your property manager. Here are five tips to help you maintain the best relationship with your property manager.
It is costly and difficult to keep a home up to code. Actually, most proper owners neglect their homes because they just can’t afford to properly maintain them. However, you don’t need to invest a fortune in home maintenance.
source: housing.com
Ask your real estate agent about the cost of property maintenance for your apartment complex or house. A reputable property management service will give you a quote for this service. When you get the quote, you can see if the amount is within your budget. Also, you will be able to determine if the service is providing quality services. If you do hire a property management company, make sure that the company you hire has good reviews and is licensed in your state.
Hire an expert for home maintenance. Professional companies are cheaper. However, you still need to make sure that the service you will hire will provide quality work and keep your home in a good condition. When choosing a service, ask about its track record and performance history. Check whether the company has replaced old equipment and repaired appliances in your home and whether it provides annual inspections.
Ask about the qualifications of the property maintenance workers you are hiring. You need to make sure that these employees have the appropriate training and licenses. Make sure that they have undergone safety training and follow safety guidelines in maintaining the property. Hire workers who are trustworthy and adept at their jobs.
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Find out how the maintenance personnel for your apartment complex or house will be deployed. You need to know whether they will be called during office hours or night or when the public is not in use. It is also important to know how fast they respond to emergency calls and what other services they provide to apartment dwellers. The response time of the maintenance staff is very important because you want to be assured that your property is well taken care of and will be safe at all times.
Talk to the property owners about the role property maintenance takes in maintaining the building. Determine the extent to which the owners are involved in the day-to-day operations. Do they allow workers into the property immediately after their repair work is done? Are they aware of periodic property service checks as well as routine repairs? You should find out whether there are any penalties for late maintenance work as well as damage or destruction of personal property.
source: rentportlandhomes.com
Find out the importance of proper scheduling of services. Make sure you know what the property manager’s duties are. Find out the responsibilities of the property owner as well. All this information will help you decide if it is important for you to engage a property service provider. It will also help you find out whether you can afford the services of one.
Is the property secure? Is there adequate lighting around the property? Is it possible to enter and exit the building easily using proper ramps and elevators? Is the condition of the building appealing and safe for the tenants to live in?
Are there problems with the heating and air conditioning systems? Do the tenants need any special services like window cleaning or carpet cleaning? How are safety regulations being met? These are all important things to consider when you are deciding whether you want to use the services of a maintenance provider to take care of your rental properties.
