If you own a rental property, that means you are also responsible for keeping it in good condition. This entails many necessary repairs and general rental property maintenance, all of which are most prominent following winter. Property maintenance tips are crucial at this stage.
If you’ve found quality tenants, then it’s essential to carry out these tasks in a timely manner to keep them happy and in contract.
However, if your property is vacant, completing maintenance and make-ready tasks are more critical than ever because you’ll want to ensure your Austin real estate investment looks its best before it goes to market.
Furthermore, doing it right the first time will make your property stand out and attract more potential tenants.
There’s no better time to spruce up your rental than after winter. Extreme weather conditions can cause plenty of damage, and sometimes, it’s damage that you cannot see until you’ve done a proper walkthrough.
Here are a few spring cleaning and rental property maintenance tips to prepare your rental property for spring after winter, even if the season wasn’t too harsh.
No. 1 – Carefully inspect the exterior when preparing your rental property for spring
Over time, winter weather — including snow, ice and freezing temperatures — will deteriorate the outside of your rental. Therefore, the first thing you should do is carefully inspect the exterior of your property with the help of your property manager.
Our trusted partner Solutions MPS suggests you look for:
- Roof damage is a significant concern because it can cause many additional issues. Grab a ladder and look for loose or missing shingles and detached, rusted or bent roof flashing. Immediately call a professional to handle the repairs if you identify any problems.
- Clogged gutters represent another issue that you must address, as they can cause overflows or water leaking into the basement and foundation. One essential spring cleaning task for you and/or your property manager is to thoroughly clean the gutters of any debris. That can include dirt, leaves and pine needles.
- Pest infestations can be widespread because animals and insects seek warm spaces to get them through winter. Unfortunately, pests can also cause a lot of damage to your Austin rental property. Therefore, you should examine the home’s outside and inside for droppings, nests and wear. Contact a pest control inspector if you’re unsure what to look for.
If you want to learn more property maintenance tips from Solutions MPS, watch this video!
No. 2 – Add a fresh coat of paint
When preparing your rental property for spring, you should consider adding a fresh coat of paint. That will immediately spruce up the home’s interior space. It’s also a very cost-efficient upgrade.
But, don’t focus solely on the inside of the property. Moving and storage consultants advise removing any outdoor furniture and giving the exterior a fresh coat of paint as well.
Adding a fresh coat of paint to your rental property can help you keep up with changing trends, make a great first impression and boost your curb appeal all in one.
No. 3 – Examine the HVAC systems
Check the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning units every season to avoid costly repairs. It’s especially important to ensure the air conditioning unit is working correctly in spring, in preparation for what can be the brutal summer heat in the Austin real estate market.
Don’t forget about routine maintenance, either, such as cleaning or changing the filters. If you don’t know anything about HVAC systems, let professionals handle these tasks.
By hiring an experienced property manager, you’ll make these routine tasks much easier, since they’ll always be on their radar.
No. 4 – Improve the curb appeal
Improving the curb appeal will help you attract more potential tenants and even increase the value of your rental property.
Start by trimming the trees and hedges. Then, remove all the debris and inspect the lawn.
If you notice any bare spots, spread some seeds. Once the grass starts growing again, make time to mow it regularly or hire professional landscapers to do it for you.
Spring is also the best time to plant flowers or any other local plants that will improve certain aspects of your yard.
No. 5 – Clean the windows
Cleaning the windows is crucial when spring cleaning after winter. Any rain and snow that fell during the winter will cover them with dirt, so cleaning them will help improve curb appeal.
Additionally, it will brighten up your rental by letting more natural light in — a feature that always attracts potential tenants.
No. 6 – Do some spring cleaning
A messy and dirty property will immediately scare off tenants. Before placing your rental on the market, you should declutter and clean it thoroughly.
Throw away all broken or worn-out items, and sell or donate those in good condition. As for the valuables or other stuff you want to keep, move them into storage. Consider cleaning, decluttering and organizing your storage space to prepare it for more items.
When you have turnover, your rental property should be completely empty so that the next potential tenant can truly envision it as their home. This is especially important in a competitive region such as the Austin real estate market.
Final thoughts
Being a landlord is not an easy job. As you’ve seen in this guide to preparing your rental property for spring, there’s much to take care of.
You must invest time and money to keep your rental in tip-top condition. If you’re unsure you’re up for the job, consider hiring an experienced property manager.
While this is a nominal additional cost, it’s worth it long term. Doing so will enable you to focus on other essential aspects of your life, and it will help keep your tenants happy, which is good for business.
