Simple tips to help get your investment property spring-ready. With spring around the corner...

With spring around the corner, it is likely your renters will be drawn to the outdoors – ready to enjoy the fresh air once again. Now is the perfect opportunity to tick off seasonal maintenance tasks to get your property in shape after winter and prepare it for the warmer months ahead. Doing so will keep your property looking good, help you identify any potential trouble areas, and keep your renters happy.   

 

Have the HVAC inspected

Ensure that your property’s heating system and air conditioning is routinely inspected and maintained. It may feel like a chore, but doing so will keep your renters happy and cut your energy bills.

 

Check smoke alarms

Residential rental providers are required by law to install and maintain smoke alarms, ensuring their rental property is fitted with the required number of working smoke alarms compliant with Australian Standard. Smoke alarms must be tested in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, batteries changed annually, and alarms cleaned to remove dust. Why not use Spring to jump on this?!

 

Maintain a safe environment

As a residential rental providers, you are responsible for providing your renters with a secure place to reside. You should ensure all doors and windows are property secured and have appropriate working locks.

 

Make the outdoors inviting

Gardens and outdoor spaces become a perfect oasis for rest and relaxation or to entertain, especially when the warmer weather strikes. Given that your renters are likely to venture outside to enjoy the sunshine, it is in your best interest to consider the following general landscape maintenance jobs in preparation for spring:

• Aeration and reseed any lawn.
• Fertilise and plant some flowering annuals to add a splash of colour and brighten up your property’s curb appeal.
• Prune flowering trees and fruit trees to encourage budding.
• Mow the lawn and weed.
• If your property has a pool, check the fence and gate to ensure they are compliant, clean the filter, check the pH levels and add chorine to kill any germs or bacteria.
• High pressure clean paths, driveways and exterior and blast away any residual winter grime.
• If your property has an entertainment deck, check the condition – make sure it is clean, check for repairs and consider sanding, oiling and re-staining if need be.

 

Clear gutters and downspouts

While cleaning your gutters and downspouts on a regular basis is important, doing so in spring is especially important because this is a time of year that they’re likely to be clogged with debris, leaves or other gunk. If there is a blockage and they are unable to function properly, water damage may occur on the inside of the property. Additionally, if leaves and other debris are left and allowed to dry out in the spring and summer sun, they could pose a fire risk; dried leaves are the perfect kindling for a rogue spark.

 

Inspect the roof

Winter rain and wind can badly affect your roof, exposing tiles and cladding or causing more severe damage. As long as water isn’t dripping from your ceiling, its easy to simply assume everything is fine. The truth is, preventative roof maintenance is the best way to catch problems early, before they turn into a big, expensive mess.

Do your best to check thoroughly for damages or alternatively, hire a skilled roof technician to spot potential leaks and other signs of damage – it will save you a lot of stress (and money) down the road.

 

For more information on what specific maintenance and planning should be carried out during spring time, please get in touch with your property manager.