Landlords Responsible For Repairs

With a real estate market that is strong, showing no sign of a significant slow-down, the market has been flooded with rentals.  The buyers of these properties are coming from out of the area and local investors are also adding to their portfolio.  Some of these new landlords are also new to the rental market and some are seasoned investors.

I am always surprised at the confusion landlords have on which repairs they need to take care of, how clean they need to deliver the property to the tenant, and how much cosmetic work should be done. 

The first question I recommend the landlord ask themselves is “Would I live here?”.  That question alone will provide a lot of answers if one is honest with oneself.   When I ask landlords this question, I don’t mean would it be their first choice to live in the rental.  What I mean is, if this were your only choice, could you live here?

 There are laws in place that require a landlord to provide a “habitable dwelling” for the tenant.  Health, safety and security issues must be a primary concern for the landlord.  Deadbolts on any main swinging doors have been required since 1998.  It’s amazing how many landlords don’t know this.  Continuing mold problems must be investigated and addressed by landlords so that potential health hazards are avoided. 

Frequently investors only concentrate on how much they have paid for the property, how much they must pay per month on their mortgage and how much rent they feel they should receive.  Many do not address the issue of maintenance and the provision of a comfortable and decent home for their tenant to live in.  Therefore, they are surprised when their tenants request items to be taken care of, or worse, don’t maintain the property after it has been rented to them.  I have found that the quality of the tenant sometimes mirrors the quality of the property.  Doesn’t this make sense? 

So what should you do as a landlord once you have determined that all health, safety and security issues are addressed?  Look around your property.  Some landlords enter the property, glance around and and declare it clean without checking each item in each room to really determine if it is or not.  Use a checklist to remind you to check all items in each room.  Usually, you will find things that were overlooked.  When you take the time to carefully inspect the dwelling, you will find items that need to be cleaned, repaired or even replaced.  Keep in mind, for instance, that a $14 toilet seat can change the whole appearance of a bathroom if it is damaged.  Are the light fixture covers cracked or dirty?  For a few cents these can be replaced.  My advice to landlords is to conduct a thorough inspection for cleaning and repairs.  Take an honest look at the condition of the paint and the carpet.  ALWAYS deliver your property to the tenant in clean condition, repair all of the items that you can and cosmetically update as your budget will allow.

Following this advice will help your property maintain it’s value and prevent it from looking like the only rental on the block!

If you have any questions concerning your rental property, please call my office anytime at (805) 474-0100. I always enjoy hearing from you! Nancy Puder is the property manager and owner of Signature Properties, 124 S. Halcyon Rd #D, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. Service areas are The Five Cities/Beach areas, SLO, Nipomo and Santa Maria.