Rental Repair Big Trouble

Yesterday I visited a home that I was told needed some minor repairs before it was ready for lease to a new tenant.  It was a home we were considering managing.

The same tenant had been in it for the last 10 years.  They were asked to move after they got behind in rent for another time.

While in the home they never called for repairs.  The owner was pleased because the tenant was very handy and could take care of minor fixes, thus saving expensive repair costs with contractors.

We found leaky faucets, torn carpet, damaged sinks, broken light fixtures, appliances with missing handles and parts, and doors with holes in them.

By saving the cost of minor repairs along the way, by not insisting that the tenant report items needing repair, this owner incurred major expenses.

If we do not hear from an occupant for a long time in a home that may have problems over time from ordinary wear and tear, we start to worry what may be waiting for us when we do our next inspection.  We do an annual walk through.  Sometimes tenants want to know why we are looking. They often will not report problems because they do not want the rent to increase.  That is not the reason we are there.  Owners should expect periodic expenses to keep their property in good operating condition.  Homes need and oil change every so often too.

NARPM manager since 1996
Property Manager since 1973