First 3 Things To Do Should Your Property Need Major Repairs

Needing major repairs to your rental property is only a matter of time. While these kinds of issues are best found during vacancy preparations, it's not uncommon for major issues to be overlooked. For this reason you should always be prepared.

Below is a short list of the first three things you should do if your property needs major repair.

Evaluate the Issue

When major repairs are needed, the first step you should take is to evaluate the extent of the damage. Ideally you hire an experienced professional to determine whether the issue is structural, plumbing, electrical, or another system failure. Assessing the issue thoroughly can help landlords understand the scope of work required for the repair as well as how to prevent future occurrences in their other rental properties. For example, an electrical short circuit may indicate faulty wiring, or overloaded circuits, which may require anywhere from a simple troubleshoot to a rewire. Getting multiple quotes from experienced contractors allows landlords to compare costs, and the time frame allows landlords to make an informed decision.

Addressing safety concerns as soon as possible is crucial for tenant safety. In severe cases where power or water needs to be shut down, you may be required to provide temporary housing while the repairs are underway. Taking decisive action helps to maintain tenant satisfaction and comfort, while protecting your investment. 

Communicate with Tenants

Proper communication with your tenants is essential when a major repair is necessary. Tenants need to be informed about the issue swiftly, ideally at this time, you can also provide a timeline for the repairs. Notify them of any potential disruptions to their daily lives, such as noise, or parking issues.

It's important to provide your tenants with regular updates on the repair status, especially if there are disruptions to the norm. By keeping your tenants in the loop, landlords can reduce tenant satisfaction, which can avoid conflict. Keep in mind that your local laws can differ in regards to notifications and tenant rights based on county. This can be difficult to keep track of for a new landlord or an investor with a sizable portfolio. Though a property management company can provide you with resources you may lack.

Hire Professionals

Hiring an experienced professional is essential for major repairs. While handymen are a great resource for general maintenance, for problems with electrical, plumbing and other core systems you’ll feel more at ease knowing a professional has the experience in the field. They are also likely to cover their work with some form of warranty which can put your mind at ease. Using experienced professionals can not only provide quality repairs, it also reduces the likelihood of recurring problems, which ultimately protects your investment property’s value in the long run.

Additionally, hiring professionals should provide you with documentation of the work. You should keep records documenting the repair process, including photos of the before and after. As well as keeping detailed logs of labor costs, materials, and other communications for future reference. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims as it provides clear records of expenses related to property maintenance. Maintaining a paper trail is beneficial in case any disputes arise with your tenants or tradesmen too.

When your rental requires major repairs, it's crucial to act fast. By staying proactive and organized, you’ll not only ensure the property is repaired properly, you’ll also maintain a positive relationship with your tenants. If you want to feel a bit more protected from emergency situations 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.