As a property manager or owner, one of your top priorities is preserving the condition and value of your properties for the long haul. Implementing a proactive property preservation strategy is key to minimizing repair costs, avoiding premature deterioration, and providing a positive experience for your tenants or guests. Here we'll explore what property preservation entails and share 5 essential tips to keep your properties in pristine shape year after year.
Property preservation refers to the process of maintaining, protecting and securing a property to prevent damage, deterioration or loss of value, especially when it is vacant or in transition between occupants. It involves a wide range of interior and exterior maintenance, repair and upkeep tasks performed on a regular or as-needed basis.
Professional property preservation companies provide services such as:
- Inspections and property condition assessments
- Cleaning, janitorial and maid services
- Landscaping, lawn care and snow removal
- Pool and spa maintenance
- Plumbing, electrical and HVAC repairs
- Roof and gutter cleaning and repairs
- Pest control treatments
- Graffiti and debris removal
- Board-ups and lock changes for vacant properties
The goal is to ensure the property remains in good condition, safe, secure and ready for occupancy or sale at any time. Neglecting preservation can lead to code violations, fines, lower property values, longer vacancies and dissatisfied residents.
Staying on top of property preservation requires planning, commitment and consistency. Follow these 5 key tips to protect your investments and extend the life of your properties:
Don't wait for something to break to address it. Prevent issues from arising in the first place with regularly scheduled professional cleanings and preventative maintenance.
For example, hire a reputable cleaning company to thoroughly clean common areas and unit interiors between each tenant, and also on a periodic basis. Frequently replace HVAC filters, inspect and test smoke detectors, check for leaks and pests, and service major appliances and systems per manufacturer guidelines. Proactively making small fixes can prevent costlier repairs down the road.
Commit to inspecting the interior and exterior of your properties on a consistent schedule, such as monthly, quarterly or at each unit turnover. Regularly assess the condition of roofing, siding, foundational elements, landscaping, and all major systems and components.
Documenting the condition at regular intervals will help you spot issues early, track wear-and-tear, plan and budget for improvements, and maintain organized maintenance records. Consider using a mobile inspection app to efficiently collect data and photos during walkthroughs.
Don't underestimate the impact that your property's exterior and landscaping has on its overall value and appeal. Untidy, overgrown or debris-ridden grounds are not only an eyesore but can also lead to costly fines or liability issues.
Hire a landscaping company to handle lawn mowing, edging, pruning, weeding, and seasonal plantings and removals. Make sure parking lots and hardscapes remain in good repair. Remove snow and ice promptly to ensure safe access. Regularly clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage.
When maintenance issues or damages do arise, aim to address them as quickly as possible. Delayed responses lead to worsening conditions, higher costs, and upset tenants. Focus on providing excellent customer service and prompt resolutions when residents submit requests.
Establish a process for receiving, assigning and tracking both routine and emergency maintenance requests. Develop relationships with licensed, insured contractors and vendors you can call on for timely, quality work. Consider requiring renters insurance to mitigate expenses related to tenant-caused damages.
Managing property preservation can be time-consuming and tedious. But today's technology tools make it much easier to streamline maintenance operations. For example, a solution like TIDY allows you to:
- Instantly generate comprehensive cleaning and maintenance checklists
- Order on-demand cleaning and maintenance services from pre-vetted pros
- Manage and message service providers all from one dashboard
- Stay on budget with transparent pricing and automated payments
- Gain peace of mind with quality guarantees and premium insurance
With TIDY, you can efficiently coordinate all your property care needs from anywhere, at any time. Our software helps eliminate manual work, ensures consistent quality, and frees you up to focus on higher-value tasks.
Don't let property preservation fall by the wayside. By implementing these 5 essential tips and partnering with TIDY's tech-enabled platform, you'll be able to maximize your NOI, exceed renters' expectations, and protect your properties for the long term.
Get started with TIDY's leading property maintenance management solution today. Sign up now.
TIDY'S Property Management Software Guide
Stay on top of tools to help you manage rental properties.
This eBook gathers the most useful software for property managers!
Get a Demo
Let us prove to you how much better we can make your cleaning & maintenance management. We can set up a risk-free (and actually free) pilot for you to see it in action.
Book a DemoLearn How TIDY Helps Offer Cleaning as a Benefit
A widely-loved and unique pre-tax benefit.
LEARN MORE