While the cost of maintenance can feel like a burden at times, maintaining your rental property and staying on top of repairs should be a top priority for Las Vegas landlords. Expenses for regular maintenance can save you from more significant costs in the future when a minor issue turns into a major problem. A well-maintained rental property will also attract better tenants who may be willing to pay a little more for a quality rental.
If you are a landlord or rental property owner and want to make the most of your investment, it is always a good idea to understand rental property maintenance expenses. Knowing these costs will help you plan your budget and keep your rental property in optimal condition. Here are common maintenance expenses you can expect.
1. Deep Cleanings
When you are between tenants and preparing your rental property for a new resident, you should always do a deep cleaning to ensure it looks its best. While the rental is occupied, it is hard to carefully clean and sanitize every room. A vacant property means you can access hard-to-reach areas or parts of the rental that are usually blocked by furniture or belongings.
A deep cleaning of your property should include:
- Scrubbing walls and floors.
- Dusting and wiping down the inside of cupboards and drawers.
- Cleaning out air ducts.
- Sanitizing the refrigerator and other appliances.
- Steaming the floors or carpets.
2. Maintaining Appliances
If your rental includes appliances like stoves, refrigerators, or washers and dryers, keeping them in good shape is one way to save you money in the long run. Periodically schedule inspections and servicing of the appliances to make sure they are working as they should and will last for a while. Repair any issues as soon as you catch them.
3. Painting
A relatively inexpensive way to keep your property looking clean and fresh is by applying a new coat of paint before a tenant moves into the rental. Paint will cover up any discoloration or scuffs you have on the walls that can make your property look dirty or dated. Choosing a clean, neutral color will also give your tenants a welcoming blank canvas that allows them to make the place their own.
4. Heating and Air Conditioning Maintenance
If you live in a city like Las Vegas, Henderson, or other areas where there are extreme temperatures during different seasons, it is important to spend the money to keep your HVAC system in good running condition. Regular tune-ups do not cost much, and they will ensure you catch potential issues before they really affect your tenants. It could be dangerous if the air conditioner breaks down during the summer heat or the heater fails in the middle of winter.
5. Landscaping
Another regular maintenance expense you need to account for is landscaping. Depending on the type of rental property and landscaping you have, you will need to invest some money to keep the yard clean and trimmed. Bi-weekly or even monthly yard maintenance can go a long way in enhancing curb appeal and protecting the rental property from the hazards of overgrown foliage.
To save some money on yard maintenance, you can:
- Look into desert landscaping.
- Choose plants and trees that grow slowly and do not need much care.
- Replace grass with artificial turf.
- Ask your tenant to inform you of landscaping issues right away.
6. Pool Maintenance
While not all rental properties have a pool, many in Las Vegas, Henderson, or other warm regions do. At the very least, you need to ensure the pool area is safe and free of hazards that could be dangerous for your tenants and their guests. If your lease agreement says you are responsible for the maintenance of the pool, you should find an experienced pool professional who can regularly service the pool throughout the year.
7. Pest Control
One expense you may not like but is definitely worth it is professional pest control. The last thing you want to deal with is a call from your tenant saying there is a rodent, roach, or scorpion infestation in your Henderson or Las Vegas rental property! When it comes to pest control, regular preventative maintenance is vital to keeping pests from getting out of hand, so be sure to include that cost in your maintenance budget.
8. Flooring and Carpeting
Your rental property’s floors and carpets can wear down with time and become an eyesore. On top of making your rental look dingy, uneven flooring, loose carpeting, and other floor damage can be dangerous and lead to accidents and expensive lawsuits. When doing your property inspections, check the flooring and carpets for hazards and obvious wear and tear and have them repaired or replaced.
9. Property Taxes
Seasoned landlords will not be surprised by taxes on their rental properties. However, new rental property owners may not anticipate or accurately estimate this expense when making their investments. In many places, taxes on rental properties are higher than they are for owner-occupied homes. Look into local laws and regulations or contact your county assessor to see what property taxes will be for your rental property.
10. Emergency Repairs
Unfortunately, you cannot predict every maintenance expense you might face as a landlord. There will always be unforeseen costs for emergency repairs that happen throughout the duration of a lease agreement. Some types of emergency maintenance expenses may include:
- Fixing a burst pipe
- Replacing a broken toilet
- Fixing a malfunctioning water heater
- Addressing emergency electrical issues
- Repairing an air conditioner in the summer
Having a reserve account for emergency repairs can help to soften the blow of the sudden expense and keep landlords prepared for anything that comes up.
A Property Manager Can Help You Stay on Top of Maintenance
Knowing the maintenance expenses that come with a rental property can help landlords plan and set realistic goals for their investments. Working with an experienced Henderson and Las Vegas property management professional means you will have an expert on your side to keep your expenses organized, streamline the maintenance process, and provide connections and discounted rates with trusted maintenance experts in the area. Contact our Black & Cherry property management team to see how we can help you maximize your rental income.
