Most landlords agree that finding the best tenants is the primary goal of running a rental property business. Great tenants reduce your workload and cause fewer problems.
How do you achieve this goal? One way is through proper property maintenance.
You can hire a property management firm to manage your properties. But does this include maintenance coordination and costs?
Continue reading to find out if your property management fees cover the maintenance costs.
Understand the Difference
Property management services are different than property maintenance services. Property management is a comprehensive service that covers numerous duties. It may include some of the following tasks:
- Property marketing
- Tenant screenings
- Repairs
- Maintenance
- Evictions
- Rent collection
A property management company can manage every duty relating to your rental properties. You can also hire them to manage only specific tasks.
Property maintenance refers to one primary task: performing routine maintenance. Property managers can handle these tasks if you hire them for this purpose.
If so, most use a property maintenance checklist as a guide.
Maintenance tasks can include weekly duties, such as mowing the grass. They can also include monthly, quarterly, and annual services. For example, maintenance might include annual power washing services of buildings.
Read Your Property Management Agreement
Maintaining rental properties is vital, but it also involves costs. You must pay for the materials required for maintenance. You also have labor costs.
So, who pays these costs? You must read your property management agreement to find out. In some cases, your fees cover the costs, but this is not always the case.
Your contract with the property manager will reveal how this works. There are several different methods.
One option is that your fees cover all the maintenance coordination and costs. In this case, you won't pay additional fees for the work.
Another option is that the property manager handles the maintenance but charges you for the materials.
There is always the potential for a contract that doesn't include maintenance services or costs.
Importance of Maintenance Coordination
You can work out an arrangement that works for you with your property manager. The highest priority should be to ensure you complete the necessary maintenance.
Routine maintenance is extremely vital for several reasons:
- It protects your properties
- It helps them hold their values
- It helps you attract better tenants
- You can charge more for rent
As mentioned, finding great tenants is vital for a successful rental property business. Proper maintenance assists with this goal. You may also consider outsourcing tenant screenings to add another layer of protection.
Learn More About Property Maintenance
Maintenance coordination ensures the property management firm handles the tasks. Well-maintained properties attract higher-quality tenants. The result is a more profitable business.
Do you need assistance with your property maintenance services? Look no further.
SunnySide Properties is a full-service property management firm. We are a husband-wife-owned business with strong ties to the community. We operate in Orlando and can help you with rental management services.
Reach out today to learn more about how we can help.
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