Property management entails a number of different aspects, but if you were to ask a tenant what the primary job of the property manager is from their perspective, the answer would most likely be centered around addressing problems with the property as they arise, or making sure there is proper maintenance has been in place at all times.
If there is a broken toilet, or a leaky faucet, your job as a property manager is to have the problem fixed — instantly as far as the tenant is concerned.
Maintenance of a property deals with many different areas of a property, from a hot water heater to a roof. While it may be tempting to go about your business and wait for any kind of service call that is needed each time, you’ll soon experience why this is in fact a terrible idea.
Types of Maintenance
As a property manager, routine maintenance can be your biggest ally. It’s always better to catch a problem when it is still small, or even yet to develop. Doing so is important, because it allows you to catch it before before it turns into a potential disaster that can not only be costly, but cause you and your tenants a massive amount of headaches because of these inconveniences.
In the end, you’re left with a higher bill than necessary, and unsatisfied tenants who are much less likely to renew the least when the time comes. Before you know it, you’re juggling multiple issues, fielding calls and emails from upset tenants, and trying to schedule multiple plumbers, contractors, and pest control companies, all at the same time.
And it could have all likely been prevented in the first place with routine maintenance. With that said, here are five different types of maintenance that you as a property manager should be always aware and on top of. Doing so will foster a much better property situation for yourself, and much happier tenants with significantly less amount of urgent issues.
Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance refers to any kind of maintenance that is scheduled on a regular basis, be it weekly, monthly, bi-annually, and annually. This can be done by your own maintenance workers, or hired out to various contractors and companies. This maintenance is needed to ensure that various parts of the property are in working order. This can include pest control for both bugs and rodents, HVAC systems, and cleaning of areas like hallways.
This maintenance is helpful in keeping the property in a consistent condition, but also helps to identify issues when they are still minor, or likely to occur down the road.
Preventive Maintenance
Preventative maintenance refers to any kind of maintenance that is almost always or the purpose of preventing bigger problems down the road. This it may seem repetitive and sometimes unnecessary, the truth is that properties with a high level of this maintenance will almost always avoid sudden, major problems in the future.
Yes, you are going to have to spend a little more money each year, but doing so will save you far more money in the long run, guaranteed.
Some common examples of preventative maintenance include tasks like changing an air filter, or inspecting a water heater to look for leaks or failure. Fortunately, there are several preventative maintenance tasks that can be delegated to your staff rather than hiring an outside company.
Corrective Maintenance
This is the type of maintenance that you are trying to avoid. Corrective maintenance only occurs when a problem has been identified or encountered. One thing you can do when this is required is make sure that a quality job is performed. No shortcuts or partial jobs should occur, but rather a full fix that completely resolves the problem from happening again. To make sure your job is done right every time,
Cosmetic Maintenance
This maintenance almost always occurs in between tenants. New carpeting, floor refinishing, and repainting of walls are all common examples. As always, ensure that these are done well. If your maintenance staff isn’t qualified to do certain tasks, hire an outside company with the confidence that comes from knowing it will be done right, which can help you retain your tenants over time, and save money.
Deferred Maintenance
There may be times when you either don’t have the funds to perform a certain kind of maintenance, or have an issue that can wait until later. One example of this would be a roof replacement that is imminent, but not an emergency.
Contact Dirt Connections For More Information on Our Services for Property Managers
We understand the burden that property managers are faced with. That’s why we offer specialized services for property managers that allow you to stay organized, and have help where you need it most. If you are a property manager, please give Dirt Connections a call or send us a message online to learn about all of the service we offer that can help make your job much easier.
