Owning a home carries a lot of responsibility, especially if you choose to rent it out. Maintenance items will always come up and need to be addressed, both routine and emergency. But just how often should you complete certain maintenance tasks for your rental home? When it comes to preventative and routine rental home maintenance, try following this timeline!
Rental Home Maintenance Timeline
Routine HVAC Maintenance
The HVAC system is a heavy lifter in any home, making it even more important to keep well maintained. From your furnace and your air conditioning to the ducts that carry air throughout the home, it’s essential to complete routine maintenance and repairs. So what is a good timeline for the HVAC system of your rental home? Furnaces and air conditioners should be serviced at the turn of each season, the furnace in the Fall, and the AC in the Spring. Duct cleaning should occur at least every 2-5 years to clean out any dust, dirt, debris, or even pests lurking in your vents. And as for your furnace filter, this should be replaced at least quarterly to help maintain the quality of your system.
Electrical Maintenance
Electrical problems can lead to electrical fires. For that reason, it’s important to have your rental home’s electrical systems tested and inspected by an electrician at least every 3-5 years. If your resident reports an electrical problem, even a minor one, be sure to address it rather than let it sit on the back burner. Look for burnt outlets, regularly tripped breakers, or frayed wiring. All of these are signs that repairs are needed.
Plumbing Maintenance
Plumbing problems are no joke. They’re often messier than other repairs and, let’s face it, a little gross. So when it comes to setting a rental home maintenance timeline for plumbing, there are a few different factors to consider. If you own a newer home, experts recommend having your plumbing inspected at least every 2 years. If you own an older home or have had a few plumbing issues regularly in the past, experts recommend having it checked annually. And, if your rental home has a lot of mature trees nearby, it’s recommended to have your main line scoped and cleaned to check for roots that could be clogging and damaging your plumbing.
Having the right rental home maintenance timeline is an important part of keeping your investment in good shape. It can also help prevent serious problems and expenses later down the road. So stay proactive when it comes to rental home maintenance!
