No matter how much you try to keep your rental property in mint condition, the reality is that it has a lifespan. Things break over time and there’s nothing you can do about it. However, while you can’t keep your appliances and fixtures working perfectly for all eternity, you can prevent the damage by tackling issues as soon as they occur. Here are the six most common rental property problems that require your immediate attention.

Drips and leaks

The first thing to do when you get tenants is establish open lines of communication. Why, you might ask? Well, if you don’t communicate with your renters, they will not report small leaks and drips which can not only result in high water bills but also cost thousands of dollars in damage. So, make sure to encourage your tenants to inform you of any plumbing issues as soon as they show up. When the problem is small, it’s very easy and cheap to fix (you can even DIY some of them). But, if you ignore them, they can cost you much more time and money in the long run.

Faulty appliances

Appliances break down, that’s a fact. Plus, you can’t expect your tenants to treat your appliances the same way you would treat them. However, most appliance issues are easy to fix if you address them early. Taking care of these issues is one of your most important jobs as a landlord. If you advertise a dryer in your unit, it needs to be in perfect working condition, otherwise, you’re not fulfilling your end of the lease. So, unless they are brand new, you can expect at least one appliance replacement with every new lease.

Broken heating and cooling

The moment your cooling or heating stops working, you need to address the issue. Let’s say you live in Australia and your AC dies, your tenants are going to have some sweaty days and sleepless nights. Luckily, there are many experts in air conditioning installation in Sydney who can solve your problem in no time. Most companies also offer maintenance, so make sure to have your units serviced once a year to avoid a future crisis. It’s very important for you to have someone to conduct your HVAC system repairs—your tenants don’t have to wait days until you find someone to install a new air conditioner or repair the furnace!

Roof issues

Roof leaks can be a huge pain in the back for both you and your tenants. It’s amazing how quickly a small roof leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Plus, it can also cause damage to your renters’ belongings as well, which means you might need to pay for that as well. Luckily, in most cases with roof leaks, you only need patches, not a new roof, so make sure to tackle the issue ASAP.

Pests

No matter how careful you are, no house is completely immune to pests. The threat of mice, rats, ants or cockroaches is always real. If your tenants notice any small issues with unwanted visitors, you can try to solve it with home remedies. However, if the problems don’t go away, you will need to call in the “big guns” and find the root of your infestation. And don’t wait too long to tackle pest problems. It’s truly amazing what kind of damage a single mouse can make. It can eat your wires and pipes and cause tons of hidden damage.

Shabby walls and floors

Don’t think that aesthetic issues aren’t important. A nice-looking rental will not only achieve a better price but also attract more desirable tenants. And, you don’t even have to renovate your entire house to see some improvements. For instance, for $500, you can enhance key rooms and add some accent details. A similar situation can be seen in flooring as well. Cheap rentals can get away with vinyl floors, but replacing the old carpets and retiling your bathroom will make a huge difference when you’re renting.

Addressing your rental property issues will make your wallet a little thinner, but ignoring them can completely blow your budget or even cause you to lose your tenants! These six issues mentioned above need to be handled ASAP if you want to have happy and safe tenants who are willing to pay good money for your unit!

By Chloe Taylor