Onsite Insites by SatisFacts Research 2014 - 3rd Quarter | Page 6

6 Maintenance Tips That Can Save You Money
By sacrificing a little time and money now to perform property maintenance, you can save yourself a
lot of time and money in the future. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

EXTERMINATE MONTHLY

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Even if you do not currently have a rodent or insect problem, you should exterminate monthly or bimonthly to prevent such problems from occurring. Do not limit the extermination to one apartment, as
critters will simply travel to another part of the property. This preventative property maintenance is a
much cheaper option than the cost of losing current and prospective residents due to a pest problem.

CHECK FOR WATER DAMAGE AND LEAKS

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The best time to check for leaks is after a heavy rain storm, after ice and snow have begun to melt, or on
very hot and humid days when pipes tend to sweat. Check for soft spots on the roofs, ceilings, and walls.
Look for signs of water around windows, showers, and toilets. Check under sinks, boilers, and water
heaters. It is imperative to identify a water leak early. Ongoing leaks can completely damage walls,
ceilings, and a tenant’s possessions. Dangerous mold can also form, which can be a large expense,
especially if it is over 10 square feet, which would have to be remedied according to the Environmental
Protection Agency’s (EPA) Guidelines.

EXAMINE SHOWER CAULKING AND GROUT BETWEEN TILES

Over time, the grout between tiles can crack and the caulk surrounding the tub can loosen. When this
happens, you no longer have a waterproof seal and water can leak through and damage the surrounding
walls or floor below. As soon as you notice any cracks or holes, you should replace the caulking or grout
to prevent potential water damage.

TEST ALL SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS REGULARLY

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Check these devices monthly to make sure they are in working order. Both battery operated and hard
wired devices should be tested. Set a schedule to test them when you collect rent or at another time
that is convenient for you. These devices save lives. If there is a fire or carbon monoxide leak in your
building and these devices are not in working order, you could face legal action. Also, be aware that the
average lifespan of a carbon monoxide detector is 5 years, so replace as necessary. Smoke alarms have a
useful life of about 10 years.

CHANGE AIR FILTERS IN YOUR FORCED AIR SYSTEMS

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You should change the filters in your heating or air conditioning unit at least twice a year. Routinely
changing the filter can help prevent the air duct from becoming contaminated. If clogged, the ducts will
usually need to be professionally cleaned, and that is an expense you do not want. Even if your tenants
pay their own utilities, pay proper attention to this matter because excessively high utility bills will cause
you to lose residents.

FLUSH THE WATER HEATERS

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Once or twice a year you should drain your water heaters. This is done to remove the sediment that can
build up in your unit from the municipal water supply that enters your property. If too much sediment
builds up, it can reduce the efficiency of your water heater or clog the drain valve. Replacing a water
heater is expensive! Be cautious and follow the specific procedures for draining your water heater. If
you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, hire someone who is.

SOURCE - http://landlords.about.com/od/EmergencyPrep/a/6-Property-Maintenance-Tips-That-Can-Save-Landlords-Money.htm