When you own a property, your hope is that it will increase in value over the years. This is true whether you live in it or use it as a rental. It’s easier to maintain your own residence because you’re there every day and tend to notice the items that need attention, like a leaky sink or roof, a cracked window, peeling paint, etc.
But when that home is a rental, you have to make a concerted effort to get inside and take a look … for maintenance issues, and tenant cleanliness issues as well.
For my Indianapolis rental properties, I try to do apartment checks after we’ve had a good soaking rain. Here are some things I always check:
- Smoke alarms
- Furnace filters (they should be changed every three months)
- Ceilings (for leaks)
- Under every sink (again, for leaks)
- Floors around toilets and tubs (are they soft? If so, there’s a water leak somewhere)
- All rooms for cleanliness
I do the same for all of the rentals I manage for other people. It’s important that your tenants see your face from time to time. When they know you care, they’re more likely to care! And of course, there’s a clause in my lease allowing me to evict if they don’t maintain the property.
At some point down the road, whether it’s your own home or a rental, you’ll want to sell. If you protect that investment now, your efforts will be rewarded in the end, when you plan your exit strategy.
Happy investing! Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
