What types of repairs can I expect to complete when a tenant leaves?
Dustin Edwards • August 14, 2020
Understanding what repairs could be needed can help you to properly maintain your rental
Owning a rental property means understanding that you will have repairs to do when a tenants’ lease period is up. The level of repairs you will have to make will certainly depend on the tenant. Completing these repairs in a timely manner will limit your time the property is vacant and maximize your property value. Today we have selected a few key areas that tend to be among the most common repair questions we receive when a property is vacant.
Painting a Property after a Tenant Leaves
When a tenant has been in a property for more than a few years it is nearly inevitable that you will need to repaint the property. This doesn’t necessarily mean that every room needs a complete repaint as there are times walls can be cleaned but keep in mind the following as you decide whether or not painting is the right decision.
- Amount of Patching - To truly feel like home most people will want to hang pictures on the wall which results in holes in the drywall that would need to be patched. If there were a considerable number of items on the wall, just patching or touch up paint could look odd and not help you to get the best possible rental amount.
- Smells - Whether it’s cooking, pet smells, or smoking (hopefully not) a fresh coat of paint can do wonders to help the next tenant understand how you treat the property. A fresh coat of paint offers that “new home feel” without bringing the property down to the studs.
Flooring for Your Long Beach Rental
There is no getting around the fact that flooring is one of the most widely needed fixes/replacement when a tenant vacates a property. It is an item that gets used daily and it is quite often in need of replacement. As you consider replacing your flooring, we invite you to consider the following:
- Carpet - Carpet is generally popular in bedrooms as it provides a bit of comfort but won’t experience as much wear as a living room. As you consider which carpet to replace in your rental, we challenge you to spend a bit of time to consider the padding. The right padding choice can help extend the life of your carpet and even provide a better experience for your tenants.
- Laminate Flooring - For many years laminate flooring would get a bad reputation and people would only consider wood flooring. While wood flooring can be nice for your primary residence it doesn’t always lend itself to the higher demands associated with a rental property. Laminate flooring can now be cost effective (i.e. less than $2 a foot without installation) and can have a warranty that lasts up to 30 years. With flooring that is highly water resistant and a long warranty period this is one of the items you can consider replacing your existing flooring with after a tenant vacates.
Faucets and any Connection Dealing with Water
Some people carefully turn on and turn off faucet handles while others are a bit tougher. With water damage posing one of the larger threats to a property a key item that often needs replacing is that of faucets and even
- Faucets - A leaky faucet can go from an annoyance to an expensive problem quickly. We have found that while you can often fix a faucet (if it is leaking), if a tenant has vacated it is often worth purchasing new faucets to ensure that your tenants enjoy a hassle free existence (and you can rest easier knowing it’s new).
- Laundry Supply Lines - We recommend having braided supply lines (vs. rubber) for your laundry unit. They have a longer lifespan and hold up to the rigors of high usage. If you have had rubber hose supply lines in your rental in the past be prepared to swap them out with braided lines when your tenant vacates.
When it comes to repairs after a tenant vacates these are just a few of the top items we encounter. To help you determine what repairs could be needed for your Long Beach Rental we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247. Or if you prefer a complete evaluation of your property we invite you to fill out our Free Rental Analysis.
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Your property’s roof is its first line of defense from the sun, rain, and wind. Which means it will eventually wear out. Many landlords overlook this since a roof is generally designed to last twenty or so years, and they simply forget until the signs begin to show. Below, we’ve compiled a short list of five signs it’s time to replace your roof for when doing property inspections. Tenant Complaints When your roof has become damaged, your tenants will likely be the first to notice. When tenants report water stains on the walls and ceilings, it's a sign that you should inspect your roof. In severe cases, your tenant may notice water dripping from roof leaks. This moisture, if left unchecked, can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be a health concern for your tenants. Some tenants simply move out, assuming the odors or recurring respiratory issues are caused by the rental and not just the roof. This leaves you with a vacancy to manage, and if you’re unable to find the leak during this period, the following tenant may have a negative experience as well. Many landlords have found it beneficial to have property inspections regularly in order to preserve both the property’s value and the tenant’s trust. Roof’s Age Even with the highest quality materials, a roof still has a shelf life. Most roofs in Long Beach, CA, use asphalt shingles, and these generally last around twenty to twenty-five years. Once they've passed this threshold, the faults begin to show themselves. A sagging roof line is a sign that your roof is due to be replaced, as it's a serious concern. It often indicates that moisture has entered the underlying decking and caused some structural damage. From ground level, you may not be able to notice these problems. However, during an inspection of the property, an experienced inspector should be able to notice soft spots or contours on the roof. These forms of damage often get worse over time. Coordinating these inspections and preventative maintenance can be difficult for landlords with an extensive portfolio, which is why many enlist help. Shingle Damage Damaged shingles are one of the most obvious signs that your roof is deteriorating. If you ever notice cracking, curling, or patches with missing shingles, the roof is no longer providing adequate protection to your property. Although you can buy time with spot repairs, if the entire roof shows signs of damage, it’s likely time to replace the roof. Aside from protecting your property, the roof affects your property’s curb appeal. A patchy and worn-out roof can drive down the rental appeal. Prospective tenants will easily be able to spot the differences between pictures taken in the listing when compared to the property in person. This can not only hurt your chances of filling a vacancy, but it can also hurt your reputation as a landlord. Granules in Gutters After heavy rainfall, it's a good idea to inspect your rain gutters. If you or your property manager notice large amounts of black or gray granules, it means your roof shingles are breaking down. These granules are critical for shedding water off the roof. Once the granules fall off the shingle, the shingle begins to degrade faster under the sun and elements. If you’re not sure how old your roof may be, Loss of granules can be a strong indicator that your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Regular gutter cleaning and roof inspections can help catch these problems early before they become expensive repairs . Increase in Utility Bills Your tenants complaining about their utility bills increasing or poor temperature control in the rental may not realize the roof is to blame. A failing roof can result in subpar insulation and ventilation. This can lead to higher heating and cooling bills for your tenant. This can be frustrating for your tenants while putting more strain on the HVAC system. This puts more wear and tear on your HVAC system. Being aware of the warning signs and being proactive can protect your rental property, maintain tenant satisfaction , and avoid emergency repairs. If you need help inspecting your roof or you need help managing your Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
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