Thanks to an abundance of newly constructed buildings, the U.S. rental market is finally starting to cool. That's good news for tenants, but it means Houston landlords now face a more competitive market in this thriving city.
It's difficult to compete with new construction when it comes to amenities and finishes, especially if you own an older building.
Both commercial and residential rental properties in Houston, TX, require ongoing maintenance to retain their value and appeal. Read on to find out how to streamline maintenance coordination for your buildings.
1. Set up a Schedule
Creating a property maintenance calendar is an essential part of maintenance coordination for rental properties. Make a list of all the routine and preventive maintenance tasks associated with your property.
These may include:
- HVAC inspections
- Gutter cleaning
- Landscaping
- Roof inspections
- Exterior cleaning
- Winterizing equipment
Many of these tasks are seasonal, so it's easy to allocate space for them on your calendar. You should slot any other items in between these to help spread the costs over the year.
By sticking to your calendar and attending to these routine tasks, you can avoid incurring numerous repair bills all at once.
2. Carry Out Regular Property Inspections
Property inspections help you keep tabs on how well your tenants are taking care of your building. They also present opportunities to carry out routine maintenance tasks and check for necessary repairs.
Be sure to take a checklist with you so you don't miss anything during your visit. Some of the key things to inspect include:
- Windows and doors for leaks
- Pest control measures
- Lighting and electricity
- Plumbing
- Fire and CO2 alarm inspections
- Fire extinguishers
Under Texas law, you do not have to give your tenants notice before entering the property, but it's common courtesy to let them know at least 24 hours in advance.
It's best if your tenants are at home during the inspection so they can point out any maintenance issues they've noticed.
Routine inspections can help you pick up small issues and attend to them before they become major repairs. Talking to your tenants may help you identify upgrades that could add value to the building and encourage lease renewals.
3. Use Maintenance Coordination Software
Technology offers many solutions to help you manage a rental property. Property management software helps you stay on track with your maintenance calendar as well as a few other maintenance-related aspects.
These include:
- Scheduling inspections
- Contractor invoices and payments
- Assigning maintenance tasks
- Tracking maintenance request progress
This software usually includes an owner/tenant portal for seamless communication and coordination of maintenance and repairs.
Embrace Expert Property Maintenance Management
Hiring a Houston property management company is by far the easiest way to keep track of your maintenance commitments.
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Precision Realty is one of the best-established property management companies in Houston.
We can assist with maintenance coordination for both residential and commercial buildings across the city. Our services include maintenance, inspections, rent collection, and marketing to maximize the potential of your investment.
Call us today to discover how we can bring true convenience to your property management efforts.
