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Owning a rental property is a popular investment, with over 48.2 million rental units in the US alone. With proper management, a short-term rental can be a good source of passive income, but some are more successful than others.
Want to know the secret behind a lucrative rental property business? It's good property maintenance. Proper maintenance enhances your rental property value and keeps renters happy.
This can increase the chances of getting return customers. However, handling maintenance and repairs for short-term rentals can be challenging. That's why we've created this guide for short-term rental property owners.
Read on to learn which tasks you should include in your maintenance schedule.
Pest and Rodent Control
Short-term rental properties aren't meant to house people for too long. Sometimes, especially during off-seasons, you might not have any guests at all. Spaces left alone for too long can attract unwanted critters.
Keep your rental property safe and sanitary by taking care of insect and rodent problems. If a guest informs you of a pest, hire a professional exterminator right away. It also helps to conduct preventative pest maintenance even when it isn't peak season.
Checking on Your Unit
Tackling maintenance and repairs can be tough if your unit isn't near your actual home. However, visiting your unit periodically will help you ensure nothing is out of place. After guests leave, it's normal to find unmade beds or cleaning materials outside of their cabinets.
While preparing your unit for the next round of guests, take note of every little detail. You might need to wash blankets and pillowcases or polish any glass countertops. Use this opportunity to determine if anything is missing from your unit.
This ensures that your unit will look exactly as advertised when your next guests arrive.
Mechanical Systems
Your maintenance schedule must include a regular assessment of your unit's mechanical systems. This includes everything from electrical and gas appliances to plumbing and heating. Your guests entrust you to provide them with a safe and comfortable space.
Leaky pipes or a faulty HVAC system can ruin the experience. It's also best to ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. This protects not only your guests but also your rental property from any untoward incidents.
Seasonal Maintenance
New Jersey has a moderate climate with fair amounts of rain, shine, and snow throughout the year. This means that you may have to clean some gutters or improve landscaping.
These may seem tedious, but they are essential to property maintenance. For example, clogged gutters can result in a cascade of events that lead to expensive repairs. You can also use this opportunity to refresh your paint or repair the flooring.
Maintenance and Repairs: What You Need for Your Short-term Rental
Owning a rental property is a continuous investment that requires time and dedication. These are only a few important tasks to include when creating a schedule for maintenance and repairs.
Managing a rental property is easier when you have trusted professionals beside you. PMI Saltwater caters to property owners in Avalon, New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more about our short-term management services.
