Summers in the desert can be brutal, and Las Vegas is no exception. The scorching sun and sizzling hot temperatures can wreak havoc on a property if the unit is not properly prepared and maintained. With the summer months just around the corner, here are some tips for landlords and property owners on how to get your Las Vegas rental property ready for the summer heat.
Inspect Air Conditioning Units
The best type of preventative summer maintenance you can do as a landlord in Las Vegas is to make sure all air conditioning units are in working order. You don’t want to get caught off guard with an urgent complaint from a tenant claiming their AC is not working when it’s over 100 degrees outside. Before temperatures get to that level, it’s best to do a routine check of all units.
When AC units have not been used for several months, there’s the possibility that something may be broken or that the unit will not work at optimal levels. Bringing in an experienced professional to inspect each of your tenant’s units to make sure that they are running properly can save you money by pinpointing small issues before they become bigger problems. It will also help prevent heated interactions with frustrated tenants in scenarios where the AC unit is not working and was not properly checked before summer arrived.
Replace Air Filters and Clean Air Vents
Not every landlord will be responsible for replacing air filters and making sure air vents are clean, but for the landlords who are, this is an essential step in making sure HVAC units are running smoothly and effectively for the summer months. If it is stipulated in the lease agreement that it is the landlord’s responsibility to do these things, you’ll want to get ahead of the summer heat by scheduling this maintenance in the spring months.
If this responsibility falls on the tenant, it’s always helpful to send a friendly reminder to change all air filters and make sure the air vents are properly cleaned. By doing these things in advance, AC units will not have to work overtime to compensate for the lack of circulation, which could help owners and landlords avoid having to have them fixed down the road. Additionally, this will ensure that the air quality will also be better in the rental property, which is a great thing for your tenant’s health and rental experience.
Prepare Pool and Lounge Areas
If your property has a pool, it will definitely be a welcome relief during the hot Las Vegas summer days. You’ll want to make sure everything is clean and ready for this busy time. Before summer arrives, have your pool maintenance person come out to thoroughly clean the water, make sure the chemicals and PH levels are balanced, and verify that all safety codes are up to date. This includes having the proper signage, that is easily readable, and all required safety equipment on the premises.
Furthermore, it is wise not to ignore lounge furniture, tables, umbrellas, and other items in the pool area. Make sure these are cleaned thoroughly, or replaced if they were damaged during the months of not being used. Having these things ready to go will help you avoid complaints and disappointment from your tenants eager to have an enjoyable pool experience during the summer months.
Update Property Landscaping
An easy way to upgrade the look of your property is to have impeccable landscaping throughout. This can be particularly difficult during summer in Las Vegas due to the heat and lack of moisture. One thing to consider is using desert-friendly plants and flowers that are native to high temperatures in order to avoid having to replant every year.
Even if you already have desert landscaping as the motif for your property, you will most likely need to make some adjustments for the summer months. This may include changing the timers on your sprinklers to water later in the evening or earlier in the morning to avoid the hottest hours of the day. You should also consult your landscaper to see if special treatments should be done before the temperatures start to climb.
Consider Community Areas
Many Las Vegas rental properties have shared community areas that include amenities such as barbeques, picnic tables, business centers, theater rooms, and more. Summer months mean kids are out of school, so families often have more time to spend together and do activities they may have put off during the rest of the year. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to update your community areas and prep them for increased use during the summer months.
If you don’t have any community areas at your property, now is a good time to consider it. Something as simple as offering an outdoor area for families to utilize together can have a big impact on tenant satisfaction. Before summer arrives, think about creating a picnic area, lounge space, or nice air-conditioned TV room for tenants to enjoy.
How a Property Manager Can Help With Summer Maintenance
As a Las Vegas landlord and/or property owner, you already have a lot on your plate without having to think about all of the things that need to get done before summer. With the help of a professional Las Vegas property management company, you’ll be able to stay on top of everything while improving the quality of living for all your tenants.
The Black & Cherry property management team has been managing rental properties in the Las Vegas and Henderson areas for many years successfully with exceptional service and dedication. We know exactly what needs to get done and how to do it effectively and efficiently using cutting edge technology and years of experience. To learn more about how we can help you manage your property and prepare for the upcoming summer months, contact our property management team today!
