One of the most important tasks a property manager has is that of keeping properties in tip-top shape. Lack of adequate maintenance is among the biggest reasons good residents leave a property, so getting it right is a big deal. But with all the other balls you’re juggling, how can you ensure that what needs to get done will be taken care of in a timely and effective manner? Here are some property management maintenance tips to help you stay on top of your game.

Hire a Professional

If you manage larger and/or multiple properties, chances are your maintenance needs will be pretty steady. You may be better off hiring a dedicated professional who can handle all of your property management maintenance needs whenever they happen to arise. This will cut down on delays and ensure that repairs are done correctly.

Make the time necessary to plan for an extraordinary future with The Property Manager’s Guide to Proactive Management.

Use a Web-Based Tracking System

Keeping sticky notes to track all your incoming requests is a system fraught with error. Don’t take chances on something important slipping through the cracks. Instead, keep things organized and prioritized using property management maintenance software. You can even use this software to stay on top of routine, preventative maintenance, such as service calls.

Make Communication Central

One of the most important components of a good property management maintenance system is communication. When a resident makes a request, let him or her know what to expect in terms of turnaround time and any other important details. If there’s an unexpected delay, communicate that to the resident. You should also follow up after the service has been performed to ensure that everything went well and identify areas, if any, that could be improved.

Have a Backup Plan

A dripping faucet may be able to wait a few days, but a burst ceiling pipe that floods a property needs to be addressed immediately. In addition to having resources on stand-by to handle such an emergency, you should also have a plan in place to take care of other things, like where your residents will stay while repairs are being made.

Be Proactive

Last but certainly not least, the best offense is a good defense. Routine, preventative maintenance, such as equipment inspections, cleanings and tune-ups can help prevent property management maintenance issues from occurring in the first place.

Making sure the properties you manage are kept in good, working order isn’t a small task. In fact, it’s one of the most important duties on your to-do list. Be prepared ahead of time by implementing the five simple strategies above and things will go much more smoothly when the time inevitably comes.

{{cta(‘c12133db-01ae-4feb-bca3-ff6540142ac7′,’justifyright’)}}

Get your free copy of The Property Manager’s Guide to Proactive Management — And make the time necessary to plan for an extraordinary future.