Owning and managing rental properties in Silicon Valley brings tremendous rewards but also major maintenance responsibilities. As properties age and tenants turn over, things inevitably wear out and break. Being proactive with maintenance helps preserve your asset’s value while also providing tenants with a positive living experience. Here are some of our top preventative maintenance tips for DIY landlords in the area.
Inspect and Tune-Up HVAC Systems
Heating and air conditioning systems tend to be the most expensive equipment to repair or replace. Change filters quarterly and have a professional technician inspect and tune up systems annually before peak heating and cooling seasons. Catching minor issues early prevents major breakdowns.
Check Water Heaters and Plumbing
Water heaters have a typical lifespan of 8-12 years. Annually flush out mineral deposits and sediment from the tank to improve efficiency. Inspect connectors and valves for corrosion or leaks. If the unit is over 10 years old, replacement may be prudent to avoid failures. Also, have plumbers inspect for silent leaks annually.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters cause water to back up and seep into the structure, leading to wood rot, mold, and foundation damage. Make sure rainwater flows freely through gutters and downspouts. Remove debris before the rainy season and after storms. Have large trees trimmed back from the roof.
Seal Windows, Doors, and Siding
Air leaks waste energy and allow moisture intrusion that spurs mold growth. Caulk and weatherstrip windows and doors as needed to eliminate gaps. Spot paint exposed exterior wood to prevent rot. Inspect siding and trim for cracks requiring sealant.
Update Lighting with LED bulbs
Replacing outdated incandescent bulbs with LEDs slashes lighting costs by up to 80% while lasting years longer. Brighter illumination also deters crime and makes properties more attractive to tenants. Take advantage of utility company rebates to offset costs.
Improve Water Efficiency with Low-Flow Fixtures
Installing low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and other fixtures reduces water and sewer bills. WaterSense-labeled models save even more without sacrificing performance. Rebates from local water agencies help fund upgrades. Just be sure to avoid restricting flow too much.
Schedule Annual Appliance Safety Checks
Technicians can spot refrigerator coolant leaks, inspect gas lines, clean dryer vents, check stove exhaust hoods, and more. Have fire extinguishers tested and smoke/CO detectors replaced as needed. Certify the proper functioning of equipment and identify risks.
Deep Clean Carpets and Flooring
Regular professional steam cleaning keeps carpets looking their best and eradicates dust mites and allergens. Hardwood floors should be polished and waxed to protect the finish. Vinyl and tiles need proper cleaning solutions. Preventative cleaning reduces tenant damage.
Touch Up Walls and Paint as Needed
Paint scuffs, nail holes, and other minor flaws to keep walls looking fresh between full repainting. Repaint high-traffic areas like hallways that show wear every 2-3 years. Quality paint and prep prevent costlier future repairs.
Monitor Properties Remotely
Utilize technology like smart home sensors to monitor humidity, leaks, motion, and other conditions remotely. Smart thermostats optimize energy use when vacant. Alerts notify you of anomalies so problems can be addressed promptly.
The Benefits of Professional Assistance
Handling maintenance yourself or finding affordable repair pros for each niche task requires major time and effort. An experienced property management firm like Intempus brings established relationships with licensed technicians to handle maintenance quickly and efficiently across disciplines. Let us take this burden off your plate so you can focus on high-level investing.
Our end-to-end maintenance solution includes:
– Coordinating and supervising all maintenance and repairs
– Vetted network of licensed contractors across specialties
– Negotiated bulk rates passed on to clients
– Seamless payment and invoicing
– Detailed maintenance tracking and record-keeping
– Preventative maintenance scheduling
– 24/7 emergency repair coordination
– Quality assurance inspections
Utilize Intempus’ economies of scale and maintenance expertise. Get in touch for a free quote on customized maintenance service plans for your rental property portfolio. Safeguard your assets and enhance returns with proactive maintenance.
