If you own and manage a rental property in Southern Prince George’s County, your tenant will inevitably reach out with maintenance or repair requests. Understanding how to respond to various tenant needs effectively is crucial. If you possess handy skills, there are specific tasks you might confidently handle on your own. However, there are instances where attempting a DIY fix could exacerbate the issue. To determine when to call in a maintenance technician, please look at the following questions to assess each situation.
How urgent is the problem?
If your tenant has contacted you about a repair or maintenance issue, you should first look into how urgent the problem is. Although your tenant may need more support regarding a poorly functioning dishwasher or dripping faucet, these are maintenance items that do not call for an emergency visit. But just so you know, on the flip side, if your tenant reports an issue that would make the property uninhabitable, you should immediately straighten out the snag or problem. Some examples are significant water leaks and damage or a non-functioning furnace or air conditioner. It is conventionally better to refer to professionals for expert help and assistance in these types of things.
Would you happen to know how to do it yourself?
If you have experience with working on maintenance and repair tasks, you may be the ideal person to answer a tenant’s request. This is especially true if the task is sufficiently quick and simple or something you already know how to do. At the same time, mending something in an emergency without the proper tools or know-how could spell failure. This is precisely why, if you are unsure how to manage the problem or disturbance or don’t have time to do it as quickly as possible, it’s best to send a service technician to take care of it.
Is doing it yourself the best use of your time?
Another valid question is whether going over to your rental property and completing repair and maintenance tasks is the best use of your time. Every hour you spend on property repairs and maintenance is an hour you are not spending on other, more significant things, whether managing your investments or spending quality time with loved ones. If you estimate how much your time costs, it may be more economical to hire a service tech instead.
Do you know if the repairs require a licensed professional?
Maintenance and repair items are simple, do-it-yourself tasks, like replacing filters or cleaning the refrigerator coils. Others, though, may require the services of a licensed professional. Such issues are either too dangerous or difficult for untrained Southern Prince George’s County property managers to do themselves. A professional service technician should deal with electrical problems, major plumbing issues, and concerns with an HVAC unit.
Do you know if regular maintenance is being scheduled?
To maintain your rental property in optimal condition, it’s essential to ensure regular maintenance is consistently carried out. If your tenant appears unable or unwilling to assist with routine maintenance tasks, consider taking the initiative to handle them yourself or hiring a professional. Proactive maintenance is an effective strategy to minimize late-night emergency calls while closely monitoring your property’s condition. By addressing issues before they escalate, whether through maintenance or timely replacements, you can lower overall maintenance costs, ensuring tenant satisfaction and contentment.
If property maintenance and repairs are not your most cherished part of owning a rental home, we surely can help! At Real Property Management Gold, we service a proactive approach to property maintenance. We also have easy access to a network of quality service providers who can keep your property correctly for less than you’d perhaps pay. Contact us online to learn more!
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