As we both know, landlords in Jacksonville do more than just collect rent. There seems to always be a maintenance request that needs to be carried out for tenants.
By answering these requests promptly, you’ll reduce tenant turnover, keep the repair costs under control, and comply with the state’s landlord-tenant laws.
In this article, we’ll walk you through our five maintenance tips that can help you run your Jacksonville rental property more efficiently.
Why is it important to maintain the property?
There are many reasons why a well-maintained property is essential. One of them concerns state regulations. In Florida, the landlord’s duties are determined by the rental unit type.
In a single-family home or duplex, among other things, the landlord needs to preserve the property in decent form. In apartments, the property owner must follow housing and health codes. Additionally, it’s mandatory to provide sanitary and benign environments in common areas.
Regular maintenance keeps expenses low because you’ll detect any issues early. Many problems start out as small but can create significant expenses if left unattended.
Your lease renewal rate is linked to the living conditions on the property. Regular upkeep is one way to please your tenants In addition to the practical reasons, maintenance shows that the landlord cares about the renters’ quality of life.
Maintenance tips for your rental property
#1: Boost the curb appeal
Landscaping is a significant part of any maintenance routine. In many cases, it’s worth to opt for professional landscaping services.
Should you prefer to do the job yourself, ask for a landscaping consultation. There are many benefits of high-quality landscaping:
- Prevents pest infestations
- Increases your rental property’s value
- Raises the curb appeal and the overall attractiveness of the property
- Traps air pollutants
- Fights noise pollution
- Boosts oxygen levels
- Provides a cool space from the summer heat
Landscaping could include a variety of measures. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones:
- Trim hedges and trees to keep the yard pleasant-looking.
- Install a sprinkler system to balance the water intake across the yard.
- Clean the gutters of trapped leaves, branches, and other debris.
- Mow the lawn for an orderly look.
- Add flowers and other plants for a more natural landscape.
#2: Maintain the HVAC system
HVAC system repairs, let alone replacements, make for big expenses. It’s less expensive to follow a consistent maintenance schedule. Here are some of the things you can do for HVAC maintenance:
- Brush, vacuum, and power wash the air ducts regularly. It’s harmful to live in a home with HVAC units that contain dirt. Also, air ducts full of dust and debris may generate mechanical issues in the long run.
- Replace the air filters. Change the fiberglass filters every 30 days. You can keep the pleated filters up to six months. Note that the mileage may vary. The air filters lose their efficiency faster when you have pets, run the HVAC system on a constant basis, or the air quality outside is poor.
- Maintain the belts. HVAC belts need regular cleaning. Also, make sure the belt hasn’t misaligned. This process could wear out the belt and affect the pulley.
#3: Keep the foundation in good condition
Your rental property’s foundation supports the complete structure on top of it. Thus, it’s important to preserve its integrity. Here are a few ways to do this:
- Provide proper drainage. When gutters aren’t far enough from the building, drainage issues transpire. Too much water pooling around the house increases the risk of foundation failure.
- Be cautious when planting trees. While every yard needs trees to provide some shade, it’s critical to avoid planting them too close to the building.
Otherwise, the trees absorb too much moisture from the ground, which could cause the foundation to sink. This ensues when the soil compacts from getting too dry.
- Maintain the same soil moisture. This needs extra attention during periods that are more arid or rainy than usual. Unequal moisture levels in the soil create foundation issues.
#4: Care for the water heater
Many landlords overlook the building’s water heater. Actually, it’s something that needs regular maintenance. Replacing a whole unit can be remarkably expensive. Here are some of the ways to care for the water heater:
- Cover the water heater with an insulating blanket. This blanket reduces the rate of standby heat loss. The unit’s life expectancy can get a boost as there’s less strain on its inner workings.
- Keep an eye on the pressure relief valve. If the temperature increases too much, all the built-up pressure may lead to a sudden explosion.
- Schedule a water heater inspection. Water heaters need annual inspections just like cars and other devices that work for many hours throughout the year. Opt for professionals who have relevant training and certifications.
- Mini-flush the water heater for sediment release. When too much sediment is present inside the heater, the overall efficiency drops and the tank is more susceptible to corrosion.
The bottom line: maintenance for your Jacksonville rental properties
All rental properties need a steady maintenance schedule. There are many benefits to keeping the property in its best shape.
Besides, you need to comply with the Florida landlord-tenant laws that discuss the subject of maintenance.
We outlined some of the essential maintenance activities, such as keeping the HVAC system operating or caring for the water heater. When you regularly maintain the property, you’ll notice lower turnover rates. Besides, this keeps the long-term repair costs under control.