Well-maintained properties have higher rental values and attract better tenants. Landlords who are responsive to maintenance requests will find that they’re able to retain good residents and protect the condition of their asset.
At Performance Properties, we have put together a streamlined and automated system for responding to maintenance issues, and we work with some of the best maintenance professionals in the local area. This delivers better and more cost-effective repairs to the homes we manage.
A systematic maintenance process needs to be in place if you want to be responsive and proactive. We have some tips to share with owners and landlords who may not have the benefit of professional Portland property management.
Put a Maintenance Process in Writing
Let your residents know how you expect them to report maintenance issues. Include instructions in your lease agreement, and reinforce the process before they move in. When you have a process in place, you know that it’s documented and an easy reference for your residents. Landlords must share all of their contact information with tenants and be prepared to respond to emergencies.
Tenants should make a phone call if there’s an emergency. Time is of the essence when there’s a flood or a fire at the property or the heat goes out on the coldest night in winter. Emergencies require an immediate response to protect your tenants and prevent further damage at your property. For routine and minor repairs, however, it’s a better idea to have your tenants make the request in writing. This provides a documented record of when the request was made, what needed to be done, who did the work, and whether the tenant was satisfied.
Responsiveness Helps Tenant Retention
Take care of any necessary maintenance items immediately. If you act with a sense of urgency for even basic repairs, you’re making sure that small problems don’t become larger and more expensive problems.
Prompt attention to maintenance and repairs will increase your tenant retention rate as well. One of the most common reasons tenants leave a rental property is a lack of response when maintenance requests are submitted. Don’t lose good tenants this way. When a tenant submits a request, evaluate the situation, diagnose the problem, and schedule your vendors right away.
Work with Licensed and Insured Vendors
Professional management companies are at an advantage when it comes to hiring vendors and contractors. We provide our local maintenance professionals with a lot of regular work, so they’re willing to respond to us quickly. They also offer us their best pricing, which means repairs are cost effective and done properly.
We have excellent relationships with plumbers, electricians, general contractors, handymen, landscapers, and cleaners. Our clients can leverage these relationships to save money and ensure their properties are well taken care of. It’s a good idea to cultivate your own relationships with preferred vendors.
These are just a few of the things we do as professionals to successfully maintain the homes we manage. If you need help with your maintenance plans or you’d like to talk about professional property management in Portland, please contact us at Performance Properties.
