If you're managing your own investment property, you're not alone. In the United States, 40% of single-family rentals are controlled by individual landlords.
However, without the luxury of having a property manager, this means keeping on top of everything yourself-for instance, property maintenance requests. After all, if you fail to maintain your Smyrna property, your tenants will quickly look for accommodation elsewhere. This means more vacancies, effort to find new tenants, and less profit to you as the property owner.
Luckily, this guide is here to help you with property management tips to help streamline tenant maintenance requests, so keep reading to learn more.
Use a Tenant Portal
One of the first ways to stay on top of property maintenance is to give your tenants an easy way to report issues arising during their tenancy. One way to achieve this is to use a tenant portal (also called an owner portal).
A tenant portal is a secure online platform allowing tenants to do several things, such as submit maintenance requests. Tenant portals are convenient because tenants can submit maintenance requests anytime.
This means landlords can track and resolve requests quickly. Here are some of the benefits of using a tenant portal:
Improved Communication
Tenant portals provide a direct line of communication between landlords and tenants. This can foster a positive tenant/landlord relationship.
Increased Tenant Satisfaction
Tenants appreciate the convenience and ease of use of tenant portals. This means your tenants are likely to renew their lease agreement.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Tenant portals can help Smyrna landlords identify and address problems early. This can save you money.
Schedule Regular Rental Unit Inspections
Another method to keep abreast of property maintenance is to schedule regular inspections. These inspections can help you identify problems that require repairs or replacement early on, saving you money.
For example, if you notice a leak in your Smyrna rental unit, you can have it repaired before it becomes a significant problem. Or, if you see that a window is starting to crack, you can have it replaced before it breaks and lets in the elements. Here are a few tips for scheduling regular unit inspections:
- Set a schedule and stick to it: Once a quarter or year, whichever works best for you
- Include all areas of the unit: This includes the inside, outside, and any shared spaces
- Be thorough in your inspection: Look for anything that is damaged, worn, or out of order
- Take notes of any problems: This will help you keep track of what needs to be repaired or replaced
- Follow up on any issues: Contact the appropriate person or company to have the repairs or replacements made
Make Property Maintenance Easy
With technology today, there are ways you can make property maintenance easy and streamline tenant maintenance requests. For instance, you can use an online tenant portal. Additionally, scheduling regular inspections can help you identify maintenance issues early to avoid costly repairs.
If your time is precious, and you prefer to hire property management services, contact us today. PMI Terminus is a full-service property management company in Smyrna, Georgia, and we have experts waiting to take the weight off your shoulders.
