Property maintenance is a massive part in being a responsible owner, and when making property management plan, make sure major appliances are given due notice. Quality appliances in your Dublin rental properties add to the overall value of your rental home although it does have a hefty price in the future when it comes to upkeep. When appliances are not properly maintained, they may fail faster and require replacement more frequently.
There are simple steps landlords and tenants can take to extend the life of the appliances in your rental home. These precautionary measures help make sure that each appliance lives up to its full potential. Reading the appliance’s manual can go a long way to keeping an appliance running. A good landlord will provide a copy of all appliance manuals and encourage their tenants to read them.
For individual appliances, basic maintenance can go a long way toward improving their longevity. For instance, refrigerators need their gaskets and coils cleaned on a regular basis. The gaskets are the plastic strip that forms the seal around the refrigerator door. To prevent gapping, wipe down the gaskets several times a year. Cleaning the coils is also easy; just lift the cover and vacuum or use a soft bristle brush. If your refrigerator comes with filters, it is a good idea to set up a schedule to change these for your renters to ensure it is appropriately completed on a consistent basis.
Dishwashers also need attention from time to time and it’s easy to clean the gasket with soap and water, helping this appliance stay watertight. Check the filter regularly and remove any debris. You should also make sure your dishwasher is level with the floor. An unbalanced dishwasher can create vibrations that will hurt the machine as well as your dishes. In addition to mechanical aspects, running a hot water cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner every few months will also increase your dishwasher’s lifespan.
When it comes to washers and dryers, proper use goes a long way toward keeping them in good shape. Overloading the machines is the number one culprit of poor performance and breakdowns. Loads that are too large for the machine put a strain on the motor, belts, and transmission, leading to rapid wear and tear. Encourage your tenants to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations about load size. In addition to that, dryer vents should be checked and cleaned regularly to avoid buildup. When lint and debris get caught in the external vent, it can lead to motor or thermostat failure – not to mention creating a serious fire hazard. We recommend double checking the vents each time you replace the filters.
Even though these maintenance tasks are easy, they do take time and effort. Encouraging renters to help is an indispensable initial step but making sure that they are done can be a test. Why not save yourself both time and costly renovations by turning to the experts at Real Property Management One? We conduct regular property evaluations and maintenance services that include large appliance care, saving you money by increasing the lifespan of all major appliances in the home. Please contact us or call us at 925-794-8339 today for more information.
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