Posts

Fall Tips For Rental Property Maintenance

Fall Tips For Rental Property Maintenance

/0 Comments/in /by

Orlando may not have the bitter cold winters or dramatic fall foliage that other regions get, but there are still some maintenance and prevention measures that should be taken care of in autumn. Take some simple steps to make sure your residential rental properties are in top shape before winter sets in.

Roof And Gutter Inspection & Cleaning

The beginning of hurricane season has probably made you aware of any roof leaks your properties may already have, but getting the roof inspected now (and repaired if necessary) can save you significantly in the long run. Make sure the roof and gutters are cleared of any leaves and twigs, and look for any type of growth like mold of lichens that can continue to cause damage as they grow. Spotting damaged shingles or tiles before they actually leak is a best-case scenario because it keeps your repair costs to a minimum.

Replace HVAC Filters

HVAC systems with clean filters run more efficiently and experience less wear and tear that shortens the life of your system. Getting clean filters in place before the colder months helps protect your equipment and your tenants’ comfort, and it also cuts the heating bill.

Chimney And Fireplace Maintenance 

If your properties have fireplaces, have the chimneys inspected before your tenants want to crank up their first cozy fire of the season. If you have wood-burning fireplaces, you may need to have the chimney cleaned, as well, for safe operation.

Outdoor Maintenance

Check that there are no tree branches that are touching, or likely to touch, the roof. Get them trimmed back as needed, because they can cause a surprising amount of damage when wind whips them against the roof.

Check decking, stairs, and walkways for any damage like loose or rotten boards, nails that need to be pounded back into place, or anything else that could be a tripping hazard. It’s also a good time to consider applying or re-applying non-skid coating to stair treads. Check railings to make sure they’re secure and in good repair, too, so they’re ready to help prevent accidental slips and falls during wet weather.

Economical Property Maintenance & Management

Belmont Management Group offers full-service property management in the Orlando area. Our maintenance and repair program offers economical property maintenance services, because of our volume agreements with service providers and vendors. Call or contact us online for a consultation and we’ll let you know how we can help your income properties provide you a better return today and in the future.

 

Note: Please keep in mind that this is mostly a summary of the important points, but by no means does it constitute or cover the entire topic of rental property maintenance.

How To Avoid False Economy In Property Maintenance

How To Avoid False Economy In Property Maintenance

/0 Comments/in /by

For residential rental properties in Orlando and the surrounding communities, keeping property maintenance costs down is a top concern. It’s essential to keep in mind, though, that some attempts to cut the property maintenance budget may backfire and end up costing you more in the long run. Consider carefully the cost-cutting measures you’re thinking about may turn out to be a false economy.

DIY: Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should

 Do It Yourself maintenance and repairs can be a slippery slope. If you’re skilled enough to get the job done as fast and as well as a professional contractor, you’re likely to save money by doing it yourself. If you’re skilled but not so fast, you may want to ask yourself whether it’s really worth your time and potential annoyance to your tenants. If the property is vacant, you don’t have to consider the impression you’re making on your tenants, but you may be delaying getting a new tenant in if you can’t get the job as done as fast as a hired contractor. 

That Probably Goes For Tenants, Too 

Allowing tenants to do their own maintenance and repairs may make sense in certain areas, like replacing smoke detector batteries and light bulbs, or handling the yard work. That’s assuming that you do periodic inspections to ensure that they are, in fact, handling those matters. When it comes to bigger repairs, though, it’s probably a better bet for you to hire professionals who have insurance and demonstrated skills. If your tenant does sub-par work on your property, you may be liable later on, if that work fails and causes a problem.

 Should You Repair Or Replace?

When it comes to more expensive-to-replace items like kitchen appliances; mechanicals such as air conditioners, heaters, or water heaters; or flooring, it can be hard to determine whether you’ll benefit most from repairing or replacing at any given point. One point to consider when you’re deciding is whether replacing will help you keep a tenant or earn higher rent from future tenants.

Consider the expected useful life of the item. If it’s near the end of that period, or past it, you’ll probably benefit from replacing it. If it’s well under the expected life, you may find repairs are more cost-effective.

Professionally Managed Property Maintenance

Belmont Management Group provides Orlando area property owners with cost-effective property maintenance and repairs, as part of their residential rental management service. We’ll help keep your property in excellent shape while helping you to realize the best possible profits from your income property. Call or contact us online for a free consultation, and we’ll show you what we can do for you!

 

Note: Please keep in mind that this is an overview of the important points, but by no means does it constitute or cover all of the requirements of managing a comprehensive property maintenance budget.

Make The Most Of Your Property Maintenance Budget

Make The Most Of Your Property Maintenance Budget

/0 Comments/in /by

Property maintenance is a significant expense for rental property owners, which means that it’s critical to the profitability of that rental that you make smart decisions about what maintenance projects to do and when to do them. Some issues are required by law, and you have to take care of them whenever the need arises: electrical, heating, and safety issues, for example. Other issues, though, may not be legally required, but they’ll help you attract tenants faster and keep them longer, which cuts your costs.

Do As Much As You Can When Units Are Empty

In addition to the required work you need to get done before a new tenant moves in, you may want to consider vacant periods as an opportunity to get other maintenance projects done efficiently and likely at a lower cost than when the unit is occupied. With tenants in place, you or your workers will have to work around their schedule, personal property, and the occupants themselves to get your work done. In an empty unit, you can take advantage of discounted rates when the trades you need to hire are slower: early morning, mid-week, or last call of the day. Get the roof inspected and have any needed repairs done, and have pest control work done while there’s no one to complain about the mess, noise, smell, and inconvenience.

Consider maintenance issues that will help you rent faster and keep good tenants in place longer. Fresh paint, replacing outdated or inefficient bathroom fixtures and kitchen appliances, updating light fixtures, and cleaning and repairing or replacing carpet can all go a long way to making tenants want to move in and stay put.

Professional Rental Property Management For Deeper Savings 

When you work with a rental property management company, you gain advantages when it comes to property maintenance, among other vital issues. Belmont Management Group has negotiated rates with the vendors and contractors who provide the services and materials we use to keep our clients’ rental properties in top shape. For owners, that means that when your property needs repairs or maintenance, you’ll almost always pay less than you would on your own. Call or contact us online to learn more about how working with Belmont Management Group can make your rental property turn a better profit for you.

 

NOTE:

Please keep in mind that this is mostly a summary of the important points, but by no means does it constitute or cover all of the requirements of a compliant property maintenance budget.