With the Spring season already in full swing, it is the perfect time for Las Vegas and Henderson rental property owners to do some important spring cleaning. Yearly maintenance checks are always a good idea, but this is also an excellent opportunity to do some reorganizing, check in with tenants, stock up on essential items, and streamline your workflow. Below are some spring cleaning tips from our Henderson and Las Vegas property management professionals.
Check Your HVAC Systems
Spring reminds us that it is heating up fast outside! As such, the first of our spring cleaning tips to focus on is taking care of all HVAC units. It is important, especially in Las Vegas, to have an efficient HVAC system that can keep up with the desert heat. Before the temperatures really start rising, make sure to take a look at the air conditioners in all your rental properties. If you can, inspect the filters and vents and try running the AC to make sure it is working as it should.
You can also ask your tenants to run the HVAC and to let you know if they experience any issues. If anything is not working properly, you still have time to get things in order for your tenants before the summer heat is at its peak.
Landscape Maintenance
In Las Vegas, it almost seems like unwanted weeds and shrubs pop up overnight when we get to the spring season. When left alone, it does not take long before yards and landscaping transform into an unruly eyesore. This is a good time to hire a professional landscaper to tackle your rental property lawns, remove weeds, trim back bushes, replant flowers, and make sure the sprinkler systems are working. Having a beautifully maintained yard and landscaping will boost your rental property’s curb appeal and overall value.
Pool Maintenance
If your rental property has a pool, it is most likely about to get a lot of use as we head toward warmer weather. Before the activity picks up, it is a good idea to make sure everything is in good working order. Check the pool filters, heaters, and if you have a jacuzzi, the jets. You will also want to make sure the water in the pool is clean and has the right chlorine balance that is safe for your tenants.
Additionally, check the surrounding area by the pool. There may be tables or lounge chairs that need cleaning or replacing. You also want to make sure pool gates lock correctly and the proper safety signage is on display.
Consider Preventative Pest Control
The Las Vegas area, including Henderson and Summerlin, is home to a lot of unwanted house guests when the weather starts warming up. Depending on the location of your rental property, you could be looking at potential infestations from bees, ants, roaches or even scorpions! This is the time to get ahead of the issue, especially if you have had to deal with these pests before at your property.
Most pest control companies provide preventative maintenance services and may even offer spring discounts during this busy time. They can help you protect your rental properties from seasonal pest issues and possibly give you tips on how to prevent future problems.
Stock Up on Essential Items
You will notice that spring and summer are popular months for sales on a lot of household items, products for the yard, and general maintenance supplies. This is because people tend to work on their homes and be more active during these times than in the colder winter months. Check for sales on items that you know you will need, including:
- HVAC filters
- Lightbulbs
- Batteries
- Trash bags
- Parts for plumbing systems and water heaters
- Nails, screws, and fasteners
- Smoke detectors
Take advantage of spring discounts and stock up on these essential items if you can. If you know you will use them to maintain and improve your rental properties, it is a wise idea to be proactive and save some money.
Catch Up with Your Tenants
Some tenants communicate regularly with landlords or property owners. On the other hand, you may never hear from others—apart from receiving their monthly rent check. Spring is a good opportunity to reach out to your tenants, open a channel of communication, and encourage them to let you know if there is anything they need.
There could be maintenance requests they have been putting off or other issues they have not relayed, which could potentially push them to look for a different place to live. Checking in with your tenants could go a long way when it comes around to renewing their lease agreement at the end of their contract.
Set Up a Time to Inspect Occupied Rental Units or Properties
It may not be necessary for all your rental properties or for every tenant, but you do want to take the time to inspect your rentals periodically. It will help you make sure your property is still in good condition and everything is working as it should. When you reach out to your tenants, let them know you are doing a yearly inspection for some preventative maintenance. Set up a time that works for them to check for:
- Damaged screens, windows, and doors.
- Appliances are still in working order.
- Leaking faucets or other plumbing damage.
- Change batteries in carbon monoxide monitors, smoke detectors, and fire alarms.
Catching maintenance issues early is an essential part of prominent spring cleaning tips that can save you both time and money in the long run. You may have to make small fixes or improvements here and there, but it is better than having to face a huge expense for major damage you could have caught during a routine inspection.
Evaluate Your Property Management Process
Spring is also a good time to reevaluate your property management process, including maintenance, tenant communication, your budgeting strategy, how you are marketing your rental property, and tenant screenings. If you think there is a more efficient way to do things, you should take steps to implement these changes. Following these spring cleaning tips will greatly help you improve your rental property’s appeal, value, and appearance.
There also comes a time when working with a professional Las Vegas property management company makes more sense than trying to do everything on your own. If you are a rental property owner and are struggling to manage all the aspects of your business, working with a property manager could help you streamline and simplify your process. The Black & Cherry property management team can handle everything from routine maintenance, to collecting rent for landlords and property owners.
