Spring Cleaning

Property Maintenance Tips

By Erica Rascón on Mar 1, 2016 in News

This isn’t your typical spring cleaning list. Learn how to transform basic seasonal care into value-added improvements.

Interior

• If utilities are included in your billing, early spring is the perfect time to assess your fuel costs. Buildings often consume the most fuel during the first two quarters of the year. At this point, you can get an estimate of whether you will operate in deficit or surplus for the rest of the year. Fewer surprise costs for renters can lead to greater tenant satisfaction and retention.
• Consider installing smart home or connected home technology this spring. These devices can ultimately help to protect your property, improve efficiency, and maximize tenant comfort.
• If you’re using disposable filters, replace them at least every three months to ensure optimal efficiency and air quality for your tenants. If you’re interested in reusable filters, they are now more affordable than ever. They require greater upfront investment but they can last for five years. Reusable filters are also better for the environment. The downside is that they must be cleaned and dried monthly or they will begin to decrease in efficiency.
• Requesting that tenants test their air condition systems at the end of winter. This way, you can get a jump start on any needed repairs before your vendor gets slammed with requests in the spring and summer.
• Early spring can be the perfect time to cut back unruly branches and shrubs, especially for fast-growing varieties like crepe myrtles and forsythia. Keep foliage at least five feet away from the building, window screens, and roof. Tidy landscaping can improve resident retention and minimize costly property damage.
• It’s time to stock up on supplies at spring cleaning sales. An ample supply of bulbs, machine batteries, water filters, air filters, and such will be discounted at bulk stores near you. Store a few items onsite when possible to minimize maintenance calls throughout the year.
• The fire alarms may have served your tenants well during the winter holidays, but there are more holidays and barbecues to come. Test fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide alarms throughout each property. Clean covers and replace batteries as needed.
• Balance accounts during late winter, before the height of moving season in the spring. With financial matters settled, tenants can move forward on a positive note, rather than at the tail end of a dispute.

Exterior

• The weight of snow and ice may have caused new damages to your roof. Those issues will only get worse with spring’s showers. Inspect the roof for cracked or missing shingles, swelling, and buckling.
• Clean and repair the gutters, especially if this maintenance was overlooked during the fall. Removing debris now will prevent blockages throughout the spring.
• Winter weather places your property under duress. Floors settle and sidewalks crack overtime. Schedule your accessibility compliance review now so that the property is in ideal shape for the new leasing season.

By finishing preventative maintenance in the early spring, you will be able to focus on sales and customer service during the busiest season of the year.