Property maintenance is essential for ensuring the longevity, safety, and value of residential or commercial properties. It involves a range of tasks from routine upkeep to emergency repairs. Here’s an overview of the key aspects of property maintenance the Lebern Property Management Team have put together:
Type of Property Maintenance:
- Routine Maintenance: Regular tasks to keep the property in good condition, such as cleaning gutters, servicing boilers, and maintaining gardens.
- Preventive Maintenance: Measures taken to prevent future problems, like inspecting roofs, checking for leaks, and servicing.
- Reactive Maintenance: Repairs made in response to issues as they arise, such as fixing leaks, replacing broken windows, or addressing electrical faults.
- Seasonal Maintenance: Specific tasks based on the time of year, such as winterizing pipes or clearing gutters.
Legal Responsibilities:
- Landlords have a legal obligation to keep their properties safe, habitable, and in good repair. This includes maintaining the structure, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) sets out the standards landlords must meet.
- Tenants are responsible for minor maintenance tasks, such as changing light bulbs, keeping the property clean, and reporting issues to the landlord promptly.
- All properties, especially rented and commercial properties, must comply with health and safety regulations. This includes ensuring fire safety, gas safety, and electrical safety.
Key Maintenance Areas:
- Conduct regular inspections and repairs of the roof, walls, foundations, and windows to prevent leaks, damp, and structural damage.
- Carry out routine checks and maintenance of plumbing, including pipes, drains, and water heaters, to prevent leaks and water damage.
- Carry out annual servicing of boilers, radiators, to ensure efficiency and safety.
- Regularly check wiring, sockets, and appliances to ensure electrical safety. PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) may be required for appliances in rental properties.
- Ensure all locks, alarms, and security systems are functioning correctly to protect the property and its occupants.
- Install and maintain smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and fire doors. Regular fire risk assessments may be required for certain properties like HMOs.
Routine Inspections:
- Landlords and property managers should conduct regular inspections to identify and address maintenance issues early. This can include quarterly or biannual checks.
- Encourage tenants to report issues promptly. This helps in addressing minor problems before they become major repairs.
- Maintain detailed records of inspections and any work carried out, which can be useful for future reference and legal compliance.
Seasonal Maintenance Tasks:
- Winter: Insulate pipes, service the heating system, check for drafts, and clear gutters to prevent ice dams.
- Spring: Inspect the roof and exterior for winter damage and tidy the garden.
- Summer: Paint and repair exterior surfaces, and check for pest infestations.
- Autumn: Clear leaves from gutters, check insulation, and prepare the property for colder weather.
Hiring Professionals:
- For most maintenance tasks, especially electrical, gas, and structural work, hire qualified professionals who are registered with the appropriate trade bodies (e.g., Gas Safe Register for gas engineers, NICEIC for electricians).
- Consider using a property management company like Lebern if you own multiple properties or do not have the time to manage maintenance tasks yourself. They can handle everything from routine inspections to emergency repairs.
- Ensure you have clear agreements with contractors, outlining the scope of work, costs, and timelines.
Emergency Maintenance:
- Have a plan in place for emergency situations, such as leaks, power cuts, or break ins. This includes knowing which contractors to call and having emergency contact numbers readily available for tenants.
- 24/7 Response: For rented properties, ensure there’s a process in place for tenants to report emergencies at any time. Quick response is crucial to prevent further damage.
Budget and Planning:
- Set aside a budget specifically for property maintenance, including both routine tasks and unexpected repairs.
- Regularly update your budget and plan based on the age of the property, past maintenance history, and any anticipated future needs.
- Keep detailed records of all maintenance work, including dates, costs, and contractor details. This is important for both tax purposes and legal compliance.
Legal and Regulatory:
- Some areas require landlords to have a license, which may involve demonstrating that the property meets certain maintenance standards.
- Stay informed about changes in property maintenance regulations, including safety standards and environmental laws or employ a managing agent like Lebern who make it their business to be up to date.
Keeping on top of property maintenance can be a full-time job. Get in touch with the team at Lebern to see how we can help you relax whilst we take care of your investment for you.
