Preparing Your Rental Property for Summer: A Comprehensive Maintenance Checklist
“Tackling your summer maintenance checklist now can save you in the long run”
As we transition into summer, It’s tempting to enjoy the longer, warmer days and put property maintenance on the back burner. However, these months present the perfect opportunity to plan and carry out essential maintenance tasks in preparation for the cooler, wetter seasons ahead. Proactively addressing upkeep not only protects your property but also maximises rental returns and tenant satisfaction.
This article will address strategies for summer maintenance including why maintenance matters, an interior and exterior maintenance checklist, compliance, safety standards, cost-effective maintenance tips and tenant communication.
Why Does Summer Maintenance Matter?
Rental maintenance refers to the ongoing process of preserving and improving rental properties to ensure they remain safe, habitable, and compliant with regulations. Tenancy Services New Zealand defines rental maintenance as “meeting all legal building, health, and safety requirements.”
Taking care of maintenance tasks during the summer offers significant benefits for both property owners and tenants. By addressing issues before the colder, harsher winter weather arrives, you can ensure your property is better prepared for seasonal changes. This proactive approach helps tenants enjoy a more comfortable living environment through the cooler months, reduces potential problems, and boosts the property's rentability during the off-peak winter season.
Property maintenance directly impacts your property’s value. Regular property maintenance helps prevent minor wear and tear from escalating into costly issues like water damage, foundation problems, or roof deterioration. By addressing these concerns early, you maintain the structural health and longevity of the property.
Taking a preventative approach to maintenance saves money. By being proactive, you reduce the likelihood of costly emergency repairs and help manage cash flow, as you can budget for regular maintenance rather than deal with costly, unexpected issues. During the winter months, demand for builders tends to rise, as adverse weather conditions often delay projects. Studies show that weather-related delays affect 45% of construction projects worldwide, which can lead to a backlog of work and longer wait times for repairs.
Exterior Maintenance Checklist
Summer provides the perfect opportunity to tackle exterior maintenance. The better weather and longer days allow for smoother scheduling and less disruption to tenants. It also reduces the likelihood of delays or postponements due to bad weather. Here are some external maintenance tasks to consider.
Garden and Landscaping
Ensure pathways are clear, lawns are mowed, and any overgrown shrubs or trees are trimmed back. Removing vegetation close to the property not only enhances curb appeal but also helps increase light and sun exposure, which can improve the overall environment and reduce moisture buildup around the property.
Decking and Outdoor Areas
Inspect and clean the deck and outdoor areas to ensure they’re safe and functional. Check for any signs of wear, such as loose boards, cracks, or damage. A clean, slip-free deck will help prepare the property for winter weather and minimise the risk of accidents.
Exterior Painting and Touch-Ups
Take advantage of the summer weather to inspect the exterior of your property for areas that need touch-ups or a fresh coat of paint. Look for signs of wear, rot, or chipping, especially around wooden surfaces. Repainting, treating, or sealing these areas now can prevent more costly repairs in the winter months.
Roof and Guttering
Conduct a thorough inspection of the roof, looking for any missing tiles, damage, or wear that could lead to leaks. Clear gutters of debris to ensure proper water flow and minimise the risk of water damage to the property. Regular maintenance of these areas is essential to avoid costly repairs later on.
Window Cleaning
Clean windows inside and out to improve the property’s appearance and light entry. Inspect window frames and sills for any damage or rot, particularly in timber frames, and wipe down uPVC frames. This is also a good time to consider upgrading to double or triple glazing, which can improve insulation and energy efficiency, creating a healthier and drier home for you and your tenant.
By completing these exterior maintenance tasks in summer, you’ll keep the property in good condition, boost its marketability, and prevent costly issues in the cooler months.
Interior Maintenance Checklist
Similar to exterior maintenance, summer is an ideal time to tackle interior upkeep, as it's easier to schedule tasks with minimal disruption to tenants. Properly maintaining the interior ensures a comfortable, healthy living environment for tenants and prevents costly repairs later on. Here are some internal maintenance tasks to consider.
Ventilation System Servicing
Proper ventilation is key to ensuring good indoor air quality and preventing moisture buildup. Service the property’s ventilation systems, including extractor fans, vents, and air circulation units. Clean filters, check for blockages, and make sure everything is functioning properly to reduce the risk of mould growth and ensure fresh air is circulating through the house.
Regular cleaning of these systems not only helps improve indoor air quality but also reduces the stress on the machines, preventing them from overworking during the winter months when they are used more frequently. By keeping ventilation systems well-maintained, you extend their lifespan and improve their efficiency.
The same goes for heat pump servicing: Clean or replace filters, and inspect the units for any signs of wear or malfunction. Proper maintenance helps extend the lifespan of these systems and ensures they operate efficiently, keeping tenants comfortable year-round.
Interior Painting and Repairs
Take advantage of the dry summer months to inspect the interior for any areas needing painting or repairs. This could include touching up chipped paint, addressing wall cracks, or fixing damaged plaster. Freshly painted walls can improve the property's aesthetic appeal and help maintain its value.
Pest Control
Address any potential pest issues by scheduling a pest control inspection. Pests may not be a concern during the warm summer months, they can become an issue in winter if they seek warmth and shelter indoors. Address any entry points, like gaps around windows or doors, and take preventative measures.
Plumbing Service Check
Check the plumbing for leaks, blockages, and signs of wear. Inspect faucets, pipes, and drains for any issues, particularly in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Addressing minor issues early can prevent major plumbing problems.
Wood Burner and Chimney Check
If the property has a wood burner or fireplace, make sure the chimney is cleaned and checked for blockages or damage. A well-maintained wood burner not only improves heating efficiency but also ensures tenant safety during the cooler months.
Kitchen and Bathroom Ventilation or Fan Cleaning
Ensure kitchen and bathroom fans are clean and functioning properly. Over time, these fans can accumulate dust and grease, affecting their performance. Clean the vents, check for obstructions, and ensure that the systems are running efficiently to prevent moisture buildup and maintain air quality.
By addressing these interior maintenance tasks during the summer, you’ll create a comfortable, well-maintained living space that promotes tenant satisfaction and keeps on top of repairs.
Compliance and Safety Checks
Ensuring your property meets compliance and safety standards is not only a legal requirement but also essential for tenant well-being. Regular checks help safeguard both the property and its occupants, reducing the risk of accidents, legal issues, and unnecessary expenses.
Healthy Homes Standards
Ongoing compliance with the Healthy Homes Standards is a requirement of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). These standards focus on key aspects such as insulation, heating, ventilation, moisture control, and draught stopping. Ensuring your property complies with these standards is important for tenant health and safety. It also helps avoid penalties or fines for non-compliance.
For more information visit the Healthy Homes website.
Smoke Alarm Testing
Ensure you are compliant with the required number of smoke alarms, replace batteries and check that alarms are in good condition, positioned appropriately, and tested regularly to provide effective protection in case of fire.
Security System Checks
Tenant safety extends to the security of the property. Regularly check the security system, including alarms, locks, and cameras. Ensure that all entry points are secure and systems are in working order. This provides tenants peace of mind and helps prevent property damage or theft.
Lighting and Electrical Inspections
Inspect all lighting fixtures and electrical systems. Check for exposed wires, faulty outlets, and any signs of wear that could pose a risk.
By conducting these compliance and safety checks, landlords can provide a secure, comfortable, and legally compliant environment for tenants while protecting the property and minimising long-term risks.
Cost-Effective Maintenance Tips
Budgeting for property maintenance can be tricky, it varies depending on factors like the age, location, and condition of the home. However, several best practices can help set a maintenance budget and make the process more manageable:
Budgeting for Maintenance
While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, here are a few strategies to consider:
Set aside 1% of the property value for maintenance each year. This is a common recommendation, though it can vary depending on the property’s age and condition.
Review previous years’ expenses and use them as a benchmark for setting your annual budget.
Set aside a percentage of your annual yield, typically between 5-10%, to cover maintenance costs.
Preventive vs. Reactive Maintenance
Taking a proactive approach to maintenance is often more cost-effective in the long run. Preventive maintenance can be factored into your cash flow and helps avoid costly reactive repairs. It also minimises the chances of surprise call-outs, which tend to be more expensive.
DIY vs. Professional Maintenance
For minor tasks, DIY maintenance can be a cost-effective option, especially if you have the necessary skills. However, for more complex issues, such as gas or electrical work, it’s essential to hire licensed professionals. While DIY can save money upfront, poor-quality work may lead to larger issues later on. Professionals bring experience and expertise, and they may offer suggestions for improving the property’s functionality and longevity.
For a cost estimate, use our maintenance calculator to plan your property upkeep and avoid unexpected bills.
Long-Term Cost Benefits
A well-maintained property is easier to budget for and manage cash flow. Regular maintenance helps preserve the property’s value, reduces the need for emergency repairs, and ensures the property stays in optimal condition. In the long run, a proactive approach maintains the asset’s value and avoids costly surprises.
Tenant Communication
Clear communication between landlords and tenants is crucial for ensuring effective property maintenance. Here are key points to keep in mind:
Communicating Maintenance Schedules
It’s important to inform tenants about any planned maintenance well in advance, not just the required minimum notice. Provide them with a schedule of when work will take place and explain how it may affect them. This allows tenants to plan around the work and reduces disruption. Clear communication ensures that tenants know what to expect.
Tenant Responsibilities
Tenants are generally responsible for maintaining the property in a clean and tidy condition. This can include tasks like lawn mowing, window cleaning, and replacing light bulbs. At the start of the tenancy, ensure that all parties are clear about these responsibilities. Discuss and agree on expectations for maintenance tasks so tenants understand their role in keeping the property in good condition. For more information on tenant maintenance duties, visit Tenancy.govt.nz.
Reporting Procedures
Encourage tenants to promptly report maintenance issues by providing clear instructions on how to do so and ensuring they can easily contact you. Regular property inspections by the landlord are also essential to identify and address any issues early. By establishing clear communication channels, landlords can ensure maintenance is handled efficiently, reducing costs and keeping tenants satisfied.
Stay On Top of Rental Maintenance with Just Property
By preparing your rental property for summer with this comprehensive maintenance checklist you can prevent costly repairs and create a comfortable living environment for tenants.
As professional property managers, we provide invaluable expertise and resources to streamline this process. We have access to a network of trusted, reliable tradespeople who offer preferential pricing and bulk discounts for services, which can significantly reduce maintenance costs. Additionally, this ensures work is completed on time and to a quality standard, minimising disruptions to tenants while maintaining the property's integrity.
Take the next step by booking a free rental appraisal with us. We’ll provide an in-depth assessment of your property’s maintenance needs, and compliance status, and suggest proactive strategies for increasing your rental yield and tenant satisfaction. Don’t miss out on maximising the value of your investment—schedule your rental appraisal today!