Preventative Maintenance Tips for Rental Properties

If you’ve owned a rental property for more than a year, you already know—it’s not all passive income and easy rent checks. Things break. Tenants call. And sometimes they call at the worst possible time (Friday night, 11 p.m., the shower’s not draining—ugh, we’ve all been there). That’s why preventative maintenance isn’t just a buzzword tossed around by property management companies. It’s the difference between a quick fix today and a financial gut punch tomorrow.

Let’s walk through some no-nonsense tips that’ll keep your rentals in shape, without draining your wallet—or your sanity.

Do Seasonal Walk-Throughs

Don’t wait for tenants to bring up issues. They often don’t notice (or won’t bother mentioning) that the gutter is clogged or a vent is full of dust. Twice a year, take a stroll through the property—or pay someone to. Spring and fall are perfect. Check gutters, windows, doors, attics. Little things add up, and they’re cheaper to handle before winter storms or summer heat make them worse.

Honestly, this is where a handyman for rental property jobs is worth their weight in gold. Hire one for a couple of hours, hand them a checklist, and you’ll sleep better at night.

Water Problems = Big Problems

Plumbing is sneaky. That tiny drip under the bathroom sink? Ignore it, and suddenly you’re looking at warped cabinets and mold. I learned that lesson the hard way. Now I always check under sinks and around toilets whenever I’m inside a rental. Water heaters need flushing once a year too—most tenants won’t do it, so it’s on you.

If you’re not handy, have a plumber or handyman do a quick plumbing check every year. Trust me, it’s way cheaper than tearing out a moldy bathroom vanity.

Roof and Gutters—Boring but Critical

Nobody likes climbing on a ladder, but roofs and gutters don’t forgive neglect. Clogged gutters push water straight into walls and foundations. A missing shingle or tiny leak can turn into ceiling stains, ruined insulation, and tenant complaints.

I make it a point to have the gutters cleaned twice a year. If you’re using property management companies, ask if they schedule roof inspections—some do. It’s boring work, but it prevents expensive repairs.

HVAC Needs Love Too

Here’s something I learned fast: tenants notice when the air stops working, and they will call you that day. Heating and cooling systems need filter changes—every three months, minimum. Don’t rely on tenants to do it. Some won’t even know how.

Hire a handyman for rental property maintenance to swap filters during inspections, and get a pro technician to service the unit once a year. It keeps energy bills lower (good for tenants) and reduces those middle-of-summer emergency calls (good for your sanity).

Safety Stuff Isn’t Optional

Smoke detectors. Carbon monoxide alarms. They’re not glamorous, but they’re lifesavers. Test them twice a year, replace batteries, and swap the whole unit if it’s older than 10 years. It costs very little and avoids huge risks.

While you’re at it, glance at outlets and wiring. Warm outlets, flickering lights—don’t mess around with electrical. Call a licensed electrician right away. Property management companies usually have an electrician on call, so if you’re managing solo, line one up before you actually need them.

Don’t Forget the Outside

Loose railings, cracked sidewalks, peeling paint. Tenants may not say anything, but these are liability issues waiting to happen. A small repair today can prevent an accident (and a lawsuit). Plus, when the exterior looks cared for, tenants treat the inside better.

It’s not just about looks—it’s about setting the tone.

Appliances—Keep Them Going Longer

Appliances aren’t cheap. But you can stretch their life. Clean refrigerator coils, check dryer vents (fire hazard if ignored), and make sure seals on doors aren’t cracked. I once had a dryer vent so clogged it nearly started a fire—never again.

This is another easy task for a handyman. A quick call, and you’ve prevented a $1,000 appliance replacement.

Keep Records

Look, you don’t need a fancy system. Even a spiral notebook works. Write down the date you fixed something, who did it, and what it cost. It’s useful when tenants question maintenance, and it’s gold if you ever sell the property—proof you cared for it. Property management companies usually handle this part, but if you’re DIY-ing, at least jot down the basics.

Set Aside Cash for Repairs

This one stings a little, but it’s reality. If you’re pocketing every cent of rent, you’re setting yourself up for a nasty surprise. A good rule is saving 1–2% of the property value every year for maintenance. Older houses need more, newer ones a little less.

It’s not fun watching money sit in an account, but when the water heater dies, you’ll be grateful it’s there.

Find Your Go-To People

The truth? You can’t (and shouldn’t) do it all yourself. Having a go-to handyman for rental property repairs, plus a trusted plumber and HVAC tech, makes life so much easier. You don’t want to scramble to find someone when a pipe bursts or the furnace dies.

Property management companies already have their network, which is why some landlords choose them. If you prefer DIY, start building your own list now. You’ll thank yourself later.

Wrapping It Up

Preventative maintenance isn’t glamorous, but it’s the backbone of being a landlord. It saves money, keeps tenants happy, and protects your investment. Whether you lean on property management companies or just keep a reliable handyman for rental property jobs, the key is staying proactive instead of reactive.

It’s not just about avoiding emergencies—it’s about peace of mind. And when your phone doesn’t ring at midnight with a tenant emergency? That’s when you’ll know you’re doing it right.