19 May 2022

Property Maintenance - A Checklist

Property maintenance relates to the upkeep of your physical property. This can be carried out by either the landlord or the people living there (with the consent of the owner). A common misunderstanding is that maintenance is reactive and solely refers to fixing problems. However, maintenance is largely preventative work and is an essential aspect of property management.

Property Maintenance Checklist

A full property inspection report should be completed at the start of any tenancy agreement. This is a helpful checklist that provides a guide for subsequent routine inspections and regular property maintenance once a tenancy has commenced. (Ensure that you also refer to your insurance policy for any specific requirements.)

 

Routine Inspections

  1. Check smoke alarms are working
  2. Look for leaks and water damage
  3. Identify trees, shrubs, or plant debris becoming hazards
  4. Check for any fair wear and tear – torn carpeting or paint cracking
  5. Check that the property is kept reasonably clean and tidy
  6. Ensure heating vents are open and not obstructed by furniture
  7. Check that the alarm system works (if applicable)
  8. Are there signs of mould and damp?
  9. Check that extractor fans are clean and working
  10. Look for puddling or ponding
  11. Check the property against Healthy Home standards 

Twice a Year

  1. Clean gutters
  2. Clean outside of the property
  3. Service any heating, cooling, and ventilation systems

Once a Year

  1. Ensure window and door locks are working.
  2. Have the chimney cleaned and fireplace inspected.
  3. Check the interior and exterior painting.

 

Important:

Failure to keep up with property maintenance can result in landlords encountering large fines. Working with a trusted property manager can alleviate both the risk and hassle.

 

Looking for advice? Ask Quinovic. 

If you have any questions about property maintenance, get in touch with your local Quinovic office. We’re a nationwide team of property management experts and have managed over 100,000 tenancies since 1988. No matter how big or small your question is, we’ll be happy to help. Ask Quinovic today.