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To attract and retain a tenant, you need to regularly maintain your rental property. Rental properties require regular upkeep because of frequent tenant turnover and increased normal wear and tear.
As a landlord in New York, you must ensure the tenant lives in a habitable home. One that not only meets the state’s basic health and safety codes, but that also looks desirable in the eyes of prospective tenants.
Here are proven tips on how to maintain your rental property:
Know Your Responsibilities
As mentioned, landlords are required to keep their rental properties habitable. The specific conditions are outlined in the state’s landlord-tenant laws. In New York, the landlord’s repair and maintenance responsibilities are outlined under the state’s implied warranty of habitability.
Specifically, landlords are required to provide the following to tenants:
• Heating during the cold winter months.
• Hot and cold running water.
• Smoke detectors.
• Garbage removal and pickup services.
In addition, you must also do the following to ensure the property remains habitable after a tenant moves in:
• Fix clogs which affect the normal flow of wastewater.
• Fix pest issues.
• Investigate and fix mold problems.
• Keep electrical services in working and safe order.
• Fix leaks.
• Maintain the plumbing system, which may include ensuring there is adequate water supply, drainage, and pressure.
You may also want to check local laws and ordinances for any additional requirements.
Make Required Repairs on Time
New York laws require landlords to make required or needed repairs and renovations within a timely fashion.
While the law does not provide a specific time period, the reasonable timeframe to address maintenance issues is usually within 30 days.
Failure to do so can lead to tenants exercising any of the following legal rights:
• Suing for the costs.
• Obtaining a court order that forces you to make the repairs.
• Breaking the lease agreement and moving out without any penalties.
• Making the repairs themselves and deducting the cost of the repairs from the rent.
• Withholding rent until you make their requested repairs.
Clearly Outline Tenant Repair Responsibilities
Tenants know might not know that they, too, have certain legal responsibilities for repair and maintenance.
That’s why it’s important to draft a solid lease agreement that includes, among other things, the tenant’s repair and maintenance responsibilities. This can help ensure minimal conflicts and misunderstandings.
At a minimum, make sure you specify the following tenant responsibilities. Tenants must:
• Keep the unit clean, sanitary, and habitable at all times.
• Make small repairs and maintenance. This can include doing things like replacing burned-out bulbs, cleaning and replacing AC filters, clearing clogged drains, and maintaining working smoke detectors.
• Inform the landlord of any repair and maintenance issues on time.
• Keep fixtures clean, sanitary, and only use them for their intended purposes.
• Keep the unit free from safety hazards, such as ensuring the accessibility of emergency exits.
• Prevent accumulation of excess moisture in the unit that can lead to the growth of mold.
• Not cause disturbance to lead paint. This is especially true if the property was built before 1978. The disturbance could be in the form of wall drilling or wall repainting.
• Keep all appliances in a reasonably clean condition.
• Care for the property by not causing damage exceeding normal wear and tear.
Conduct Seasonal Maintenance
Every season presents its unique maintenance challenges. The following are some of the things you’ll want to do to protect your property when seasons change:
Spring and Fall Maintenance
• Remove any leaves and debris from the gutters and downspouts.
• Replace the smoke detector’s batteries. Do the same for the carbon monoxide detector as well, if you provide one.
• Examine the condition of the roof. Are there any missing, loose, or damaged shingles?
• Check and clean the dryer and exhaust vents.
Winter Maintenance
• Drain and winterize the exterior plumbing system.
• Ensure you provide the tenant with adequate heat and hot water during winter. The apartment should be heated to at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 62 degrees at night. Common areas should be at least 55 degrees.
Conduct Routine Maintenance
As a landlord, conducting routine maintenance is key for an optimal return on investment. You’ll be able to preserve the property value, prevent costly repairs, guarantee tenant satisfaction, and ensure legal compliance.
To ensure you cover everything, make sure to have a comprehensive maintenance checklist. It should cover both the interior and exterior aspects of the property.
Exterior Maintenance
• Check for roof damage, leaks, and proper ventilation.
• Remove debris in the gutter that can prevent normal water drainage.
• Inspect for peeling or fading of the exterior paint.
• Ensure all bulbs are working as they should.
• Maintain the landscaping by clearing debris, and maintaining lawns, trees, and shrubs.
• Check for drafts and weatherproofing issues on window and door seals.
Interior Maintenance
• Check for drain functionality, water pressure, and leaks in the plumbing system.
• Test the circuit breakers, switches, outlets, and other electrical systems.
• Schedule filter replacements and regular maintenance of the HVAC system.
• Inspect the extent of normal wear and tear on the appliances.
• Check the expiration dates of the fire extinguishers.
Conclusion
Maintaining your rental property is vital to the satisfaction of your tenants and the longevity of your investment. By implementing these maintenance tips, you’ll be able to address issues promptly, improve your relationship with tenants, and enjoy an optimal ROI.
For expert help in rental maintenance or overall property management, get in touch with Librett Real Estate Group. We provide full-service property management services to property owners in New York City and Westchester County. Get in touch to learn more!
