The summer season is approaching, and that means it may be time to perform some property maintenance. As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to conduct periodic inspections and verify that the property is in excellent condition. And because summer is the busiest season in the real estate market, if you prepare your rental property for summer the right way, you have a better chance of attracting quality tenants – or to renew your contract with the existing tenants. Therefore, here are some tips on how you can get your rental property comfortable and inviting for tenants this summer.
1. Check the HVAC System
On a hot summer day, the last thing you need is a malfunctioning air conditioner. So, the first thing you must do is ensure that the HVAC system is operational. Start by checking the filters for both heating and cooling. Even if you won’t use the heating, doing some preventative maintenance is nothing but beneficial. Next, hire a professional to clean the air conditioner coils and empty the condenser drain. Furthermore, ensure that the exterior part of the AC unit is clean and not covered in debris, which can cause malfunctions.
Also, if the AC unit is older than 15 years, you should consider replacing it. It becomes harder to keep it in excellent working order as it ages. Not to mention that it consumes significantly more energy than it should.
2. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If you are a landlord, legislation code compliance requires you to have functioning smoke detectors on your rental property. Carbon monoxide detectors, on the other hand, are required by law in only some states. It’s also worth noting that Consumer Opinion experts recommend that you have professionals install them for the safety of your property and tenants. Having such detectors can help reduce fire hazards during the summer when there is a lot of cooking and grilling around many houses.
Therefore, if you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, test them to see if they are in working condition. Also, check and change their batteries if needed. And, if you don’t already have detectors, make sure to get them installed as quickly as possible to prevent legal issues.
3. Make Needed Repairs
A great way to prepare your rental property for receiving tenants this summer is to tackle some of those repairs that have been on the checklist.
For instance, inspect the plumbing system and change pipes and fixtures that are old or broken. You can also replace damaged flooring and chipped bathroom tiles, apply a fresh coat of paint, or replace the wallpaper. Repair the roof, clean the gutters, check the electrics and electronics, and replace damaged light bulbs, among other things.
Doing so will not only get your property ready to be occupied, but it can give you an advantage when acquiring great tenants quickly. You can include a list of repairs and upgrades you made to the property in the rental contract. This will also hopefully help you avoid any unexpected maintenance requests from your renters for items that you recently addressed.
4. Make Your Renters Feel Safe
During the summer, the chances of home burglaries grow. People often go on vacation and leave the house unsupervised or simply spend more time out and about exploring their own town. The chances the property is left empty is plentiful and may be difficult to keep a close eye on. But, you can protect your property with ease by choosing a home security company and installing an alarm system for your tenants.
Professionals can help you keep your property safe by installing a security system that they monitor 24/7. Furthermore, many security systems now have an app that you can install on your phone to monitor the status of the property yourself at any time.
5. Tend to the Landscape
Providing yard maintenance can help you increase the value of your rental property. At the same time, it’s an excellent method to prepare your rental property for summer tenants that like to spend time outdoors. Therefore, start by taking care of the lawn.
Fill in any bald spots with seeds, treat any infected areas, and water the grass until it is strong and healthy. You can also aerate, weed, and fertilize your lawn to keep it looking good. When the grass is beautiful and green, you can start mowing it regularly, maintaining it to approximately three inches tall.
In addition to taking care of the lawn, you can trim large bushes, remove branches from the yard, and plant some flowers. You should also check the sprinklers and ensure they are in working condition. You wouldn’t want your plants to dry out after all the hard work.
6. Make the Outdoor Area Inviting
In addition to manicuring the landscape of the exterior, you may also want to power wash the walkways and clean any debris from the front and/or back patio areas. Furthermore, if you have a pool, you should clean it or ensure that the built-in cleaner is in working condition.
7. Prepare for Insects
The summer heat brings with it lots of bugs and insects. Whether it’s ants, mosquitoes, spiders, or other pests, nobody wants to deal with them. So you may need to equip your home with what it needs to keep pests out.
Seal the doors and windows, and change or install window screens. In addition, use pesticides or insecticides on your lawn to prevent breeding. And don’t forget to explain to your tenants how to handle insect issues if you aren’t around. If they let the problem get out of hand, it might be harder to deal with it after time has passed.
If you’re partnering with a professional property management company, ensure that they have a process in place for performing regular pest control treatments.
The Bottom Line
This list of 7 ways to prepare your rental property for summer is only a starting point. However, starting with these tips will ensure the happiness of your renters. Always save the necessary maintenance reserves and plan ahead to schedule time to make the necessary adjustments and you’ll be putting yourself ahead of the landlord game.
Choose 1836 Property Management
If you’re investing or plan to invest in the greater Austin, Tx, area, reach out to our team of professional property managers today to assist you with your real estate investing ventures. At 1836 Property Management, your success is our success.
bdm@1836pm.com
512-994-4323
By: Kayla Gonzales, 1836PM Marketing Manager
