Being a landlord involves more than just accumulating rent – it’s about taking care of a valuable investment. You can earn money for several years, but failing to do necessary maintenance can turn that investment into a huge problem.
Many landlords know they need to keep their properties rented, but many don’t realise how crucial regular upkeep is for long-term success.
Research showcases that many landlords make expensive mistakes. About 19% regret spending money on renovations that didn’t increase property value or rental income. The right strategies could have avoided these problems.
If you don’t maintain your property well, you may face costly repairs, unhappy tenants, and a drop in property value. To protect your investment and avoid expensive mistakes, look at seven key maintenance errors every landlord should avoid for lasting success.
Common Maintenance Pitfalls Landlords Must Avoid
Here are the seven common maintenance pitfalls landlords must avoid:
Pitfall 1: Ignoring Small Plumbing Leaks
Even a small plumbing leak can quickly get worse and lead to expensive repairs. Many landlords ignore minor leaks, thinking they are not important. However, these small leaks can cause serious problems, like water damage and mould growth, over time. In older buildings, where pipes may be hidden behind walls or ceilings, it can be hard to spot these issues until significant damage occurs.
How to Avoid:
A plumbing expert from Hertfordshire, Plumber Watford Hertfordshire, warns that even minor leaks can escalate fast – especially in older buildings with hidden pipework. They recommend regular system checks and proactive upgrades. So, check your plumbing regularly to prevent expensive damage. Fix any leaks right away.
Pitfall 2: Delaying Boiler Servicing
Boilers are essential for heating and hot water in rental properties. If you do not have regular check-ups, your boiler might break down, leading to costly repairs and leaving your tenants without hot water. A poorly maintained boiler can also be harmful, posing risks like carbon monoxide leaks or fires that threaten health and safety.
How to Avoid:
To avoid these problems, it’s smart to schedule an annual boiler service and inspection. This keeps your boiler running efficiently and helps catch any issues early.
Pitfall 3: Neglecting Gutter Maintenance
Blocked or even damaged gutters can cause serious problems. They can lead to water damage to your roof, walls, and foundation. If you don’t clean your gutters regularly, they may overflow, causing water to leak into your home. This can create damp spots, encourage mould growth, and weaken the building’s structure. Eventually, this can lead to expensive repairs and unhappy tenants.
How to Avoid:
Clean and check your gutters at least twice a year and that is required. It’s best to do this after the leaves have fallen in autumn or after a heavy storm. Also, look for any blockages or damage and fix them immediately to stop water from accumulating and causing problems.
Pitfall 4: Overlooking Ventilation Issues
In older buildings, poor airflow can lead to dampness and mould. These problems can harm your property and your tenants’ health. If you ignore them, you could face costly repairs and tenant issues.
According to Strath Prints, about 71% of homes in England lack ventilation. This can cause problems like dampness and mould, highlighting the importance of ensuring that your property has sound ventilation to avoid such issues from escalating.
How to Avoid:
To avoid this, ensure all rooms, mainly kitchens and bathrooms, have good ventilation. Install extractor fans if needed and keep vents clear. Regularly check your property for dampness and mould, and fix any issues quickly.
Pitfall 5: Neglecting Electrical Safety Inspections
One of the biggest mistakes a landlord can make is ignoring electrical maintenance. Old or broken electrical systems can lead to serious dangers, like electrocution and fires. In the UK, electrical issues are the leading cause of house fires.
How to Avoid:
To stay safe, it is important to have a qualified expert check your property’s electrical system once every five years. This check will find any problems, prevent accidents, and shield your tenants and the property. You must not overlook electrical safety, as neglect can result in costly fixes or legal issues.
Pitfall 6: Failing to Respond to Tenant Maintenance Requests
It’s vital to handle maintenance requests from tenants immediately, even if the issues seem small. Ignoring these requests can lead to more significant problems later on. For example, a small leak can quickly turn into a large flood, or a broken heater can make your tenants uncomfortable and lead to complaints.
A recent report showcases that tenant happiness with repairs and maintenance is a key factor in their overall satisfaction. The report notes that the average satisfaction level for repairs and maintenance (TP02) is 72.3%. This statistics comes from tenants who have requested a repair in the past year.
How to Avoid:
Address tenant maintenance requests as soon as they come in, no matter how minor they seem. This proactive approach helps prevent issues from getting worse and builds a better relationship with your renters, which may encourage them to stay longer in your property.
Pitfall 7: Neglecting Exterior Maintenance
The first thing people see about your property is that it’s outside, which can affect how likely tenants are to stay and how much your property is worth. Issues like peeling paint, an unkempt garden, or cracks in the driveaway may seem small, but they can make the entire place look neglected.
How to Avoid:
Check the outside of your property regularly. Touch up paint, keep the garden clean, and fix any damage that could lead to bigger problems later. A well-kept exterior makes your property more inviting and helps it maintain its value over time.
Conclusion
As a landlord, keeping up with maintenance is essential to protect your property and satisfy your tenants. Repairing issues early helps you save money, lowers stress, and keeps your property a good investment. It costs less to handle minor repairs than to wait for them to become more significant problems.
Stay proactive by maintaining your plumbing, servicing the boiler, cleaning the gutters, guaranteeing proper ventilation, conducting electrical inspections, listening to tenant concerns, and caring for the property’s exterior. These simple steps help preserve your property’s value and ensure a steady income.
Don’t wait for expensive repairs to surprise you – take action today to safeguard your investment for the future!
