While the weather is remains quite chilly in Columbia, MO, we are forward-thinking regarding the coming Spring season and what that means for our Onsite Teams. Specifically, an increased focus on beginning quarterly, and completing annual maintenance items should be on everyone’s minds!

“While regular preventative maintenance will not eliminate all issues, it is a major money-saver in the long run. At the core of preventative maintenance, your goal is to catch minor issues before they grow into major, more expensive issues” (Deming, 2020). Why wait until tomorrow to correct today’s issue?

While comprehensive maintenance items are likely more effective on a staggered basis (allowing Managers to see the property in all seasons) the following should be included on a preventative maintenance schedule once per year at minimum:

1. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – These safety devices should be installed in each apartment and tested at least once per year.
2. Pest Control – Can be outsourced to a local contractor or completed in-house with an easy-to-mix solution that is spread on a recurring basis.
3. Water Damage or Leaks – Water issues are some of the more common problems that can start very small but end up doing a ton of damage if not addressed properly.
4. Replace AC Filters – When filters become clogged and dirty, it can require the system to work harder potentially putting a big-ticket expense item at an increased risk of failure.
5. Check for Activity that Violates the Lease Agreement – Routine maintenance can also serve as an opportunity for Onsite Teams to be increasingly vigilant of potentially harmful tenant activity.

AFI Onsite Teams receive access to a robust online knowledge base that includes extensive documentation of current processes and SOPs. These processes include company-policies pertaining to more common items such as landscaping standards, as well as comprehensive checklists for quarterly, bi-annual, and annual maintenance items.

While no checklist is perfect, we can adhere to the best practices learned over years of experience and adjust when necessary. As best practices and SOPs will undoubtedly continue to change, the goal will always be to remain in front of serious issues and prevent high-cost renovations.

References:

Cifani, Sara. “10 Routine Preventative Maintenance and Repair Duties for Landlords.” www.dumpsters.com/blog, Dumpsters.com, 19 Dec. 2018, www.dumpsters.com/blog/landlord-repair-and-maintenance-checklist.

Deming, Micky. “The Landlord’s Preventative Maintenance Checklist.” www.avail.com, Avail, 6 Oct.2020, www.avail.co/education/guides/complete-guide-to-rental-property-maintenance/preventative-maintenance-checklist.