Boise, Idaho’s rental market is back on the rise in 2024. This comes after its rental prices dropped in late 2023. For instance, last December 2023, the rent in the city reached $1,750. Now in June of 2024, the average rent rose back up to $1,850 in the City of Trees which is getting back to where it was at the start of 2023.
Thus, if you're a Boise landlord, you'd want to keep your rental as attractive as possible to tenants. Adhering to a rental property maintenance checklist is one way to do that.
This guide lists four must-have items on your list, so read on.
1. Plumbing System
Water damage impacts an estimated 14,000 people in the U.S. daily. This problem often results from failed plumbing systems, such as burst pipes. It can also lead to health and safety concerns, including mold growth and exposure.
Flooding caused by plumbing failure can also cause significant property and tenant damages. It can submerge and destroy structural components, flooring, carpeting, and furniture.
All that makes annual plumbing maintenance an integral part of rental property upkeep. Hire a licensed plumbing contractor for a complete system inspection, cleaning, and repairs.
2. Electrical and HVAC Systems
Have your rental property's electrical, heating, and air conditioning systems on a schedule. They should be serviced twice yearly. If you can and your tenants are okay with it, schedule these maintenance items during fall and spring. This helps prepare them for increased usage in the winter and summer seasons.
3. Roofing System
Your checklist should also include twice-yearly roof inspections and maintenance. As with electrical and HVAC systems, it's best to get these roofing services done in spring and fall.
Early spring maintenance helps prepare your property's roof for Boise’s summer months. It gives you enough time to have repairs completed by a contractor before the rainy days come. Come fall, maintenance helps make the roof ready for potential sleet or snow.
4. Premises Inspections and Repairs
At the very least, you should schedule complete rental property inspections annually. However, it'd be best to coordinate with your tenants to have these done once every three or six months. They'll likely agree to frequent inspections if you're friendly, polite, and professional.
During the premises inspection, keep a lookout for the following:
- Condition of the doors, windows, and screens
- Damages in the foundation, driveway, and concrete surfaces
- Defective emergency and security alarms
- Shrubs and trees that need pruning
- Signs of pests (e.g., shed wings, droppings, bore/gnaw marks)
If your inspections reveal any problems, address them immediately. It can help protect the long term value of your property. This is also an excellent time to ask tenants if they've had any housing-related issues. They may appreciate you more since you're doing what you can to keep them happy and safe.
Property Maintenance: Key to Happy Tenants
Imagine how you'd feel if everything in your living space, from the taps and drains to the AC, worked as it should. You'd feel happy and content, wouldn't you? So much so you wouldn't think of moving someplace else, would you? That's why, as a Boise landlord, you should never delay necessary property maintenance. It can help make your tenants happy and stay with you long-term.
That's precisely our goal here at 1st Rate Property Management. We provide full-service property maintenance and management services. Speak with us today to learn how we can help!