Summertime is here! The hot weather, the humid days, and the most common time for tenants to move from one location to the next. You are sure to be busy, both personally and professionally, but there are a few things you will want to accomplish when it comes to caring for your Atlanta rental property.
Summertime property maintenance ensures that all is well and ready to go for the months ahead while reducing the chance that any major issues will arise. So be sure that you follow this summer property maintenance checklist before it is too late.
- Service the AC Unit. The summer months are hard on air conditioners. Take the time to have it serviced so that your tenants are cool and no major issues arise from it being overworked. Following through with this not only extends the life of your AC but could potentially save you thousands.
- Review the exterior. Look for any cracks, missing shingles, clogged gutters and address them. You may want to take this time also to have the outside of the home power-washed as well as have the integrity of your deck examined (if you have one).
- Clean the dryer vent. This is something most people don’t often think of, but it can pose a serious fire risk. While you can’t control how often your tenants do or do not clean the lint filter in the dryer, you can do your part to protect your rental home.
- Trim large trees. Springtime can bring a lot of growth to your landscape. Unless your tenant is responsible for trimming the trees, have large trees cut/trimmed during the summer months so they are ready to go for the rest of the year.
- Look for signs of mold or water damage. If you can gain access to the inside of your rental property for inspection, look closely for signs of mold or water damage. Because this can be costly if it happens, you want to address it early.
Doing an overall inspection of the property will allow you to make a list of things that need your attention now as well as those that will require it in the future. That way you can plan for upcoming repairs or costs you may incur.
Not interested? Hire a property manager. If you have a lot on your to-do list already and don’t have the time to perform routine maintenance or thoroughly manage your properties, an Atlanta property manager can handle it for you. Free up your time and still make sure your properties are adequately maintained.
Marina Shlomov, a managing partner at ALH|Podland Rental Homes Property Management is the author of many articles on Landlording, Property Management, and Real Estate Investing. A residential builder in the state of Georgia since 1999, Marina is an investor herself. Her property management company is intended “For Investors” and “By Investors” for a simple reason – she knows what investors’ goals are and she works hard to reach their goals. In her spare time, Marina likes to spend time with her family, friends, garden, read and travel. Check her out atwww.alhpodland.com. You can find Marina’s articles and comments at @rentalhomesatl on Twitter, on Facebook, Google+, Blogger. and YouTube, Bigger Pockets and REI CLub and LinkedIn.