As a property owner, it makes sense that you always want your property to be in perfect condition, but that’s realistically impossible. When someone lives in a space, it’s inevitable that a reasonable wear and tear will occur.
That said, at Real Canadian Property Management Solutions, we believe that there are smart methods that you can implement to prevent tenant-caused damages to your property.
Here are simple ways to better maintain your rental units:
1. Make sure your property is in topnotch condition.
If a tenant moves into a property that is in good condition, the tenant will be forced to adhere to that same standard, and to take good care of it. If your property looks disheveled, the tenant will not feel the need, or the motivation, to keep it in good condition. In their perspective, why should they care to maintain a property that they don’t own?
2. Conduct regular inspections.
As a property owner, if you exercise regular inspections, it shows the tenant that you are serious about prioritizing the maintenance and upkeep of your property. Also, consistently inspecting the property leads to positive outcomes. For instance, you can foresee any potential tenant damages to your rental unit. Then, you can take required action to ensure that it doesn’t further progress.
3. Ask for a security deposit.
Another way to help maintain your property is to charge a high security deposit. Security deposits enforce two things:
- It reminds the tenants to maintain the property and keep it in good condition.
- It serves as incentive. In order to secure the refund at the end of the tenancy, the tenant must keep the property in good condition. So, the tenant will be more cautious of treating the property well as he will want his deposit back.
4. Outline clear pet policies.
Although being a pet friendly rental widens your pool of prospective tenants, pets can cause damages. In order to prevent these damages, provide the tenant with a clear pet policy. In this policy, you can state which pets are acceptable, and which are not. Be specific by including pet sizes, breeds and amount of training required. Always ensure that the tenant is adhering to the pet policy. Agreements are useless if the tenant fails to follow the conditions.
5. Be thorough during tenant screening.
Tenant screening is a critical step that should not be overlooked. Be sure to screen the tenant thoroughly when assessing his background. During a tenant screening, you can look for the following:
- Prior references from previous landlords
- Any history of violence
- Eviction records
- Questionable behaviors that could potentially cause you undesired stress
By doing this step, you will get a better understanding of the tenant’s past. Oftentimes, a tenant’s past behavior can predict his future actions. This can help you prevent accepting tenant’s who will be more likely to cause damage to your property.
6. Check-in on long-term tenants.
Sometimes, when a tenant continues to renew the lease, property owners believe that they shouldn’t worry about inspections. However, the longer a tenant lives in your property, the more cautious you should be. The damage risk is higher in long-term tenants because they begin to become negligent. So, it is strongly recommended to continue exercising proper care and paying attention to the condition of your rental property.
7. Be selective with plants.
A well-maintained garden makes a property more attractive. However, when it comes to landscaping, you must be cautious of the type of plants you choose to have. For instance, some plants attract pests, which is not ideal. Also, certain plants require careful monitoring. For example, trees can absorb extra moisture and can create foundation problems. They can also cause major damage to roofs, gutters and windows. It is important to do your research before selecting the plants you decide to grow.
8. Engage professional cleaning services.
Hiring professional cleaners once or twice a year is a great idea. It will help keep your property maintained. Although cleaning costs can be pricey, they are worth it because they will thoroughly clean your property and protect it from damages and the usual wear and tear.
9. Encourage a strong landlord-tenant relationship.
Having a respectful relationship with the tenant is very important. This will allow you to feel comfortable communicating your expectations with the tenant in a clear and respectful manner. In return, the tenants should understand their duties and take good care of your property. Also, if there are any maintenance requests, they will have no worries communicating those with you. Addressing the requests early on results in lower expenses and prevents damages from escalating.
Conclusion
In the end, it’s important to communicate your standards with the tenant and set the example for them to follow. Consistent inspections also help track problems and ensure that you’re on top of any potential damages.
Choosing a quality tenants is also another option that can help you prevent property damages. Therefore, screen extensively. This will help you save money in the long run and keep you from having to go through an eviction process.
Lastly, to make your property more attractive and enhance its curb appeal, have great maintenance systems in place. You can never be too vigilant as your financial growth depends on how well you maintain your property.