When the question of property maintenance comes up, be sure to put major appliances in your property management plan. Quality appliances in your Big Rapids rental properties do appeal to renters, at the same time, they present as a significant expense in the future. When appliances are not properly maintained, they may fail faster and require replacement more frequently.
There are simple steps that landlords and tenants can take to lengthen the life of the appliances in your rental homes. By going through a few simple precautionary procedures, you can rest assured that each appliance lives up to its full potential. Believe it or not, the first task of keeping an appliance running is to read the appliance’s manual. A good landlord will provide a copy of all appliance manuals and encourage their tenants to read them.
For individual appliances, basic maintenance greatly improves longevity. Take as an example, refrigerators need their gaskets and coils cleaned on a regular basis. The gaskets are the plastic strip that forms the seal around the refrigerator door. Wipe down the gaskets to prevent gapping; it’s best to do this a few times a year. Cleaning the coils is also simple; all you have to do is remove the cover and vacuum or use a soft bristle brush. If there are filters in your refrigerator, a smart move would be to create a schedule to have these changed for your renters; this would make sure that the task gets done correctly and regularly.
Dishwashers also need to be maintained periodically and it’s really easy to clean the gasket with soap and water. This helps the appliance stay watertight. Check the filter regularly and remove any debris. You should also make sure your dishwasher is level with the floor. An unbalanced dishwasher can cause vibrations that will eventually damage both the machine and the dishes. In addition to mechanical servicing, running a hot water cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner every few months will also extend your dishwasher’s lifespan.
When talking about washers and dryers, proper use by itself already goes a long way toward keeping your units in good condition. The number one culprit for reduced performance and breakdowns is overloading the machines. Loads that go above the machine’s limit strains the motor, belts, and transmission, leading to rapid wear and tear. Request your tenants to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations about load size. On top of that, dryer vents should be inspected and cleaned routinely to avoid buildup. When lint and debris start to gather in the external vent, it can lead to motor or thermostat failure; on top of that, it also creates a serious fire hazard. We recommend double checking the vents each time you replace the filters.
Even though these maintenance tasks are very simple to do, you still need to schedule time for them. Having renters help out is an important first step, but making sure they actually comply can be tough. Why not spare yourself from the costs and wasted time, and turn to the experts at Real Property Management Investment Solutions? We do regular property evaluations and maintenance services that include large appliance care. Doing this increases the lifespan of all major appliances which, in turn, saves you money. If you want to know more, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 616-419-8880.
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