Having the ability to rent out your properties is a great way to get some passive income. However, that does not mean that you don’t have to put any time and effort into space you are offering to potential tenants. Quite the contrary – you need to prepare the space before they move in, be there for them when they have issues with the property and clean it up after they move out to prepare it for the next person. If you’re new to being a landlord, here are some basic tips to keep in mind for rental property maintenance .

1. Ensure the electrical work is solid

Before you even put your property on the market, you need to ensure it is safe for people to live in. Get an electrician to inspect all the wiring and electrical work so that you are sure there will be no electricity-related incidents.

Furthermore, when you do rent out space, you should still keep the electrician on speed dial and even share their number with the tenants in case there are any issues when you cannot be reached. Advise your tenants that it’s always better to call an expert than to try to fix the problem on their own.

2. Check for leaks and water damage

Make sure you thoroughly inspect the property for any leaks and potential water damage. If there are any damp spots or mold, you need to react immediately and get an expert to take a look. They will determine the issue and advise you on how to proceed.

Perhaps it’s a leaky roof, a leaky pipe or some other problem. You should deal with this matter before you let anyone move in because it can be a lengthy process and disturb the tenants’ everyday life. Moreover, a reliable plumber’s number should be added to the list of emergency numbers you give your tenants.

3. Make sure the property is clean

When showing potential tenants the property, you must ensure that it is spotless. This is the best way to get their attention and have them consider renting your place. Therefore, scrub everything in the bathroom and kitchen thoroughly, repaint the walls, wash the windows, dust and vacuum.

Another thing you need to think about is cleaning the space after someone moves out. To prevent the departing tenants from making a huge mess, put it into your contract that they need to leave the space clean and tidy when they move out. You can even suggest they hire professional bond cleaning services. That way, you will have way less work to do as you can be sure that the cleaners will do a great job.

4. Inspect the furniture and appliances

If you are renting out a fully furnished place, you also have to make sure the furniture and appliances are in good shape as you do not want to risk having to repair or replace them a few weeks after the tenants move in.

Check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and the fire sprinkler system and ensure they are in order. Then, inspect the HVAC system and change the filters that need changing. Finally, you have to think about the exterior of the home as well.

Clean the gutters and check the roof on a regular basis in case you are renting out a house. Don’t forget about weatherproofing the whole property as well.

These four are just the basic rental property maintenance tips you must consider to ensure your tenants are comfortable and safe while renting your property. Of course, you have to perform routine and preventative maintenance and be prepared to always be on-call as you never know when a problem might arise. Good luck with this endeavor!