Owning a rental property comes with responsibilities. If you're looking to avoid premature building wear and tear, there are a few repairs you'll need to perform every year to ensure that your tenants are living comfortably.
Just think: A handful of preventative steps today can prevent you from having to perform renovations down the line. Want to learn more? Here are three maintenance tasks I perform annually on our rental property, a simple time and money investment that's well worth it down the line.
A touch of paint here
Every year, I walk around the building to see what surfaces around the home need some paint touch-ups. Wood and metal are two materials that are very sensitive to weather and temperature changes, but fortunately, paint helps protect them! For my outside staircase, I apply two coats of protective stain before autumn, as its steps tend to wear down more quickly. This way, I can prolong their integrity and keep from having to replace them prematurely.
Also, a few strokes of a paintbrush can vastly improve a property’s appearance. This summer, I painted the mailboxes that were green and rusty using bright, white paint. Rather than replace these mailboxes altogether, I bought a can of spray paint — it cost me under $10. I'm amazed by how this small change can make a world of difference.
Another possible way to spruce up your home is with wooden windows, which are still very common on older buildings. This is the case with our 1950s building. This fall, I applied two coats of paint on the frames to keep them in top shape and preserve the wood’s quality while avoiding any potential for water infiltration.
A wipe there
Never underestimate the importance of a proper, thorough cleaning at least once a year. This applies to both the interior and exterior of the building. I often do most of these tasks in the fall, just ahead of winter. Here are some of the general maintenance cleanings I do on our rental property:
- Clean the curbs and clear out the garden;
- Sweep the driveways and building entrance;
- Check the gutters and remove dead leaves;
- Remove weeds;
- Pick up trash that may have accumulated on the property;
- Get rid of spider webs and other pests;
- Clean the heat pump.
And let’s not forget…
Windows!
Windows are probably the most important aspect to maintaining the home. Replacing the windows on a rental property is a major investment, representing several thousand dollars. That's why I make sure to take care of them now to spare myself any costly expenses later on.
The windows at our place get dirty fairly easily and can develop mildew when the weather changes. That could lead to damage in the future. Also, if they get condensation, it is important to wipe them down regularly or apply plastic when winter arrives. Replacing the silicone gasket as needed is also a good idea to ensure the water-tightness of the windows and avoid water infiltration!
Check ups
Every year at the lease renewal, I take the opportunity to ask the tenants how the last year went in the unit and if there is any maintenance work to be done. This way, I can schedule the work and ensure that the premises are maintained. Furthermore, it is good to know that according to the administrative housing tribunal, the landlord has the "right to verify the state of the dwelling" by notifying his tenant 24 hours in advance.
In the end, all it takes to keep your rental property in good condition is a little paint, a good annual cleaning, and good care of the windows. These basic tips are forgotten all too often, much to the detriment of buildings. Remember that it is always important to check for other work that you may eventually need. Taking care of your property will pay in dividends over time!
