27 Interior & Exterior Preventative Maintenance Tasks for Rentals

In addition to fixing problems when they happen, there is another category of repair that as a landlord, you’ll need to make sure gets done: preventative maintenance.

In other words, these are tasks that need to be accomplished on a regular basis, usually annually, whether or not anything is broken. They are preventative measures, not necessarily repairs.

Accomplishing these projects annually will keep your property’s future repair needs to a minimum and allow your property to run like a well-oiled machine. It will help you save money over time, because you’ll spot problems before they become an issue. I recommend giving the following list to your handyman once a year for each unit you own.

Keep in mind, this list is just a sample of some of the ongoing property maintenance you may need to do. Not all will apply to your property, and your property may have additional concerns. But this is a good place to start.

27 Interior & Exterior Preventative Maintenance Tasks for Rentals

Interior

Change furnace filters (probably more than once per year)
Vacuum dust from fridge coils
Replace smoke detector batteries
Check to make sure carbon monoxide detector is installed and working
Sweep the fireplace
Ensure that lint from the dryer vent has a clear path to outside
Flush water heater
Check expiration date on fire extinguisher
Repair any broken grout or caulk in bathroom
Tighten any handles, knobs, racks, etc.
Remove showerheads and clean sediment
Check weather stripping on all doors and windows, and repair as needed

Exterior

Clean gutters and remove all leaves and junk from inside
Check siding and roofing for visible signs of problems
Check sump pump and make sure it is still operational
Test garage door opener, including auto-reverse function
Check window screens and repair as necessary
Look for signs of termites or other bugs
Check trees for power line interference
Recaulk any doors or windows as needed
Trim up the landscaping
Inspect the crawl space; look for bugs and water leaks
Touch up peeling or damaged paint
Fertilize the lawn
Close off any openings to the crawlspace
Check water valves (in both the fall and spring)
Wash exterior with garden hose and mildew cleaner

By executing this preventative maintenance checklist each year, you will be able to catch problems before they become expensive fixes while at the same time keeping your property looking great. Plus, your tenants will appreciate your dedication in helping their home look and operate the best.

It’s a true win-win.

Any tasks you’d add to this list?

Leave your comments below!

Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.