As a landlord, it is imperative that you keep on top of your maintenance checks in order to ensure you are compliant with regulations, and make sure that your property remains in tip top condition. However, keeping on top of your maintenance checks can be a daunting task, especially if you own multiple properties. Luckily, we are here to help with our handy guide on what maintenance checks you need to complete, and when to complete them.
Maintenance checks before the tenancy starts
There are a number of checks that you need to complete before your new tenants move in, to ensure that the property is safe and compliant.
It is the landlord’s responsibility to check that all gas and electrical appliances are in a safe condition, and that any furniture and soft furnishings are maintained. They also have to provide the tenant with the correct, up-to-date documentation to prove these checks have taken place.
Another check that needs to be completed is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). An EPC shows how energy efficient your property is, and is key for tenants looking to rent properties as it shows how much energy bills are likely to be. All properties that are available to rent need to have an EPC carried out.
Similarly, you also need to undertake a professional inventory and condition check before your tenants move in. This ensures that landlords have accurate records of the state of the property before anyone moves in, in case a claim has been made for the damage of anything within the property.
Annual maintenance checks
There are certain checks that need to be completed at least annually. For example, a professional inspection of any Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems (HVAC) should be scheduled annually to ensure that they are functioning properly. Air filters should also be cleaned or changed at this time to maintain optimal air quality.
Yearly roof inspections also need to be completed to check for any signs of damage, missing tiles or leaks. Gutters and downpipes should also be cleaned to prevent water damage. The best time of year to complete this check is either at the end of autumn, or at the beginning of spring. During the autumn months, gutters will probably get clogged up with fallen leaves, so clearing them at the beginning of winter means they are less likely to need doing again.
You should arrange an annual pest control inspection to identify and address any signs of infestations on the property. This step means that pests like insects or rodents will be dealt with early. If any issues are found, measures can be taken to address them quickly and efficiently, ensuring the property remains pest-free and comfortable for tenants.
According to the NSI, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be professionally tested yearly to make sure they are in safe working condition. Smoke detectors actually have a ‘replace by’ date, but 85% of them are unknowingly out of date.
All rental properties in England are now subject to a higher level of detection requirements. Specific alarms now need to be installed, including a smoke detector on escape routes for each floor, a detector in the living room, and a heat detector in the kitchen. Additionally, a carbon monoxide alarm must be present in any room used as living accommodation where solid fuel is used, such as in bedrooms that contain real fireplaces.
Biannual maintenance checks
Plumbing should be checked slightly more often to prevent any damage caused by leaks. Taps and toilets should be inspected by a professional, and water heaters need to be flushed to remove sediment that might have built up.
Every 6 months is also a good time to examine electrical appliances for signs of wear and tear.You should get them professionally serviced and cleaned to ensure they are in tip-top condition.
Quarterly maintenance checks
Every three months is an ideal period to hire professional grounds maintenance teams to trim trees, cut shrubs and mow grass, as well as inspect irrigation systems and complete any other landscaping maintenance that is required.
Inspections of security systems every quarter are important for maintaining their performance. These checks ensure that all components, including cameras, sensors, alarms, and control panels, are working correctly.
Ongoing maintenance responsibilities
As well as routine checks, it is essential to conduct regular property inspections as part of ongoing maintenance responsibilities. These routine assessments contribute to the overall upkeep of the property, and help to stop problems getting worse.
Additionally, landlords should make sure that tenants are informed about emergency procedures and have easy access to emergency contact information.
How Dependable can help
By implementing a comprehensive maintenance schedule, landlords can safeguard their investments, provide a comfortable living environment for tenants, and foster positive landlord-tenant relationships. Hiring a facilities management company to help with property maintenance services is an easy way to ensure you stay on top of every check, inspection and regulation that needs to be adhered to.
Contact Dependable today to discover how we can help you.
