One of the upsides of hiring a Birmingham property management company is that you can rely on them to handle much of the maintenance in and around your rental property. If you are a new rental property owner and aren’t sure what maintenance a property manager will manage, then read on. This is a quick guide to help you understand common maintenance and repair practices in the property management industry.
1. Major Repairs
It is the property owner’s responsibility to repair anything that was in the unit when the tenant moved in. For example, broken appliances, leaky roofs, plumbing issues, and electrical issues are all the responsibility of the owner. The maintenance and repair of these systems are often facilitated and managed by a professional property management company. Damage to the home not considered normal wear and tear is usually the responsibility of the tenant, according to the terms of the lease agreement.
2. Minor Repairs & Maintenance
Minor repairs such as replacing light bulbs, changing HVAC filters, and properly disposing of trash in approved receptacles, are common responsibilities of the tenant. This can vary according to the lease agreement, but tenants should be required to keep their dwelling in a safe and clean condition.
3. Maintain the Common Areas
It is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain the common areas of a building. This can include stairwells, hallways, and entryways. For the safety of tenants, you need to ensure that these areas are clean and free of damage. It is also recommended that there is adequate lighting outdoors and in the common areas.
4. Landscaping
Landscaping can be managed by the tenant, or by the property management company, according to the terms of the lease. This includes keeping the grass cut, the shrubs trimmed, and, when necessary, and in some areas, removing snow from the driveway, walkway, and stairs. In many cases, tenants are free to do minor landscaping to improve the property as they desire. They can plant flowers, shrubs, or cut the grass. If the property management company is not managing the landscaping, they can verify that the work is being performed adequately by the tenant.
5. Managing Utilities
Depending on the area of your rental, and terms of the lease agreement, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that there are adequate utility services available. Before a tenant moves into your rental property or shortly thereafter, they’ll be expected to set up all bills and utilities in their own name. These bills may include but are not limited to electricity, gas, internet, phone, cable & trash. This often results in hours of phone calls and frustration trying to get services switched. This is why Specialized Property Management has partnered with SimpleBills to provide quality, affordable utility management that greatly benefits both tenants and property owners.
6. Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
A property management company will conduct routine property inspections that include checking that the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Tenants are responsible for changing their own batteries, and property managers are responsible for changing the batteries in the common areas if any.
Why work with Specialized Property Management Birmingham?
Many inexperienced landlords fall prey to opportunistic tenants, irresponsible maintenance service providers, and lack of legal knowledge. With assistance from our property management experts, you can provide the best possible services that not only offer convenience to the tenants but also protection for your investment.
Contact us online or call us at 205-417-1475 for a free quote.