Property damage is inevitable, whether it's normal wear and tear or tenant-caused damage. Whatever the cause is, it's your duty as the property owner to conduct repairs. This allows your investment property to maintain its value, as well as remain a safe place for your tenants as required by the law.
Common Damages and Repairs
Water Leaks
Leaks from pipes, appliances, and roofs can cause significant property damage. Some of the risks associated with it include mold growth, electrical hazards, and even structural damage. You can fix minor issues yourself by turning off the water supply, using plumber's tape and epoxy paste to cover plumbing system leaks, and letting it dry. For major issues, it's best to call a plumber or electrician to fix it.
Electrical Issues
Unlike leaky pipes, electrical work is best left to professionals since one wrong move can either cause more damage or worse, cause harm to you or your tenant. It would also be advisable to fix the issue as soon as you can as it can cause electrical fires. Repair costs are a small price to pay for the safety of rental properties.
Roof Damage
Roof damage can lead to a lot of bigger problems if not repaired immediately. It can be the first to fall into the domino of problems like water leaks, mold growth, and electrical system damage. For small holes, you can apply a sealant or a patching compound to avoid water leaks. For major damage, you can call a roofing company to make the repairs or replacement.
Pest Infestation
While certain infestations are limited to being inconveniences, some may become health hazards or cause property damage. Termites can break down the structure of rental properties over time, and rodents can carry diseases that will risk your tenants' health. Identify the type of pest and remove anything that might attract them. For more serious situations, a professional pest control service will do a better job at resolving it. It’s also advisable to schedule regular preventive visits from a pest control company.
Broken Appliances
Appliances that are broken don't just become useless— they can also be the cause of electrical fires. If you know how to fix them properly, then you can do so. If not, hire a repair technician to take a look. If the appliance is already out of date, it might also be a sign for replacement which can make current and prospective tenants happy.
HVAC Systems
Determine the source of the issue first, and you might discover that there are simple problems with basic components like the air filter or thermostat. For more complicated issues, calling a professional HVAC technician is in your best interest, as they will have the tools and expertise to fix it quickly, efficiently, and effectively.
Clogged Toilets and Bathroom Sinks
Rental properties are required to have functioning facilities. Clogged toilets and bathroom sinks can cause huge inconveniences to your tenants, which is why necessary repairs must be done as soon as you can. Just like leaks, you can fix these yourself if you are capable, and if not, call your local plumber to fix it.
Scuffed Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors in rental properties are bound to see scuffs and normal wear and tear over time, especially underneath furniture. If a tenant requests it to be fixed, minor scratches can be touched up with DIY methods like applying a stain marker, rubbing a wax stick over it, or using a diluted acidic solution like apple cider vinegar. For deeper scratches, you might need to sand and refinish it to make it look like new.
Broken Windows
There's not much to do with broken windows but to replace them if the glass is already cracked or shattered. Before you replace the glass, apply tape to secure it first. Clean the frame and apply a new glass pane. If you're not experienced in this matter, hire someone who is or you might end up paying more for accidental damage or further property damage.
Smoke Alarm
Having a broken smoke detector is about as useful as a firehose without water. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that batteries should be tested every month. For the smoke detectors, they should be replaced every decade. Tennessee law provides an outline for smoke alarm requirements, all of which you are legally obligated to follow.
Nail Holes
With tenants hanging decor and mounting objects, nail holes are already part of the expected damage on walls. All you have to do is plaster nail holes and repaint the surface, and it will be as good as new.
Who Should Pay For the Damages?
Landlord's Responsibility
Certain damages in rental properties are shouldered entirely by the landlords. Normal wear and tear, for instance, cannot be paid for or deducted from the tenant's security deposit. Property damage from natural disasters also falls under the responsibilities of property ownership.
To prevent costly repairs for significant damage, you could benefit from getting a landlord insurance policy to help cover main and associated repair costs. It would even pay for tenant property damage costs, as well as liability coverage in case of medical bills or legal action.
Tenant's Responsibility
Depending on the lease agreement, there are also a number of things you can charge tenants for with property damage. This is why a comprehensive lease agreement is crucial so you won't have to answer for tenant negligence, all while adhering to state and local laws.
For instance, you can require a security deposit from renters. Tennessee security deposit laws don't provide limits to the amount, so be careful not to overcharge or potential tenants might be dissuaded from considering your rental unit.
Preventive Measures
Thorough Tenant Screening: Tenant screening allows you to find respectful tenants who follow the rules of your lease agreement.
Routine Maintenance: With regular maintenance, you'll be able to identify and assess issues early on. In some cases, this can even help you save on repair costs since you'll catch problems before they get worse.
Educating Tenants: You can politely educate tenants about the proper way to use utilities and facilities, or how to avoid damages like floor scuffs. You can even include certain rules in your lease agreement that tenants have to follow.
How a Property Manager Can Help You
Identifying, assessing, and resolving property damage can be a lot of work, especially if you have more than one tenant to tend to. A property manager can go a long way in accomplishing efficient maintenance for your rental business.
Green Tree Property Management has a network of responsive vendors, as well as the expertise to deal with any problem that may arise from the damages. We can help you keep your tenants happy and safe, and your make business thrive. All you have to do is contact us and start with your free consultation!
