How To Prepare Your Investment Property For Summer
As the days get warmer and longer, there are things you should do to make sure your property remains in good condition throughout summer. Not only will regular maintenance prevent costly problems at your property, but it keeps the place in great condition so you can attract and keep quality tenants. Keep reading for an overview of what you need to do to prepare your property for summer.
Get smoke alarms tested
No matter where your property is located, there’s likely legislation in your jurisdiction that states installing and maintaining smoke alarms is the landlord’s responsibility. Not having working smoke alarms is dangerous to your tenant and property. If they haven’t already, make sure your property manager arranges your annual smoke alarm test to ensure your smoke alarms are in working order.
Clean gutters
Summertime means it’s bushfire season. If your property is in a high-risk area, make sure the gutters are cleaned before warmer days arrive. Any build-up of leaves, sticks and other dry plants and debris can be a fire hazard and block drains. You can make sure your gutters are clean by getting your property manager to check them at your tenant’s next routine inspection or by organising a professional to clean the gutters. Whether you pay a professional or you’ve made it the tenant’s responsibility, the gutters should be clear before hot and dry days arrive.
Tidy gardens and outdoor areas
The warmer weather is a great time to tidy up your gardens. Make sure mulch is refreshed, weeds are taken care of, and the watering system (where applicable) is working. You should also check if outdoor living areas need any maintenance or repairs before it’s used more often over the summer.
Plan for next year
Many tenancy agreements finish at the end of the year or the beginning of the following year. If you’d like your current tenants to renew their lease, talk to your property manager now to get a new tenancy agreement organised. This is also a good time to check in with the tenants and see if there are any repairs or maintenance needed. And when you’re renewing the lease, don’t forget to review the rent price to make sure it’s keeping pace with comparable properties in your area.
Run through the list above with your property manager to ensure everything is in working order at your property before summer. A little time spent on odd jobs now can lower the risk of more costly problems in the future, plus you can enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind knowing that your property is in good shape.