To avoid spending tonnes of money on repairs, don't wait until something becomes irreparable to fix it. Catching a problem early and fixing can save you a tonne of money in the long-run.

As a landlord or property manager, it’s best to have a preventive property maintenance checklist, to inspect rental properties regularly, and to fix any noticeable problems before they become expensive.

Here are some of the most efficient things that a property manager should do in order to prevent small issues from becoming severe:

1.  Check for leaky pipes

Identifying and fixing any minor water leak as soon as it's noticed will avoid mold growing or walls and ceiling damage. Place you should check for leaks are toilets,  sinks, water heaters, showers, around doors, and around windows. You should also check walls for water pockets, especially after heavy rain or when snow is melting.

2.  Seal cracks and recaulk showers

Everyday use of kitchen and bathroom surfaces leads to loose tiles and cracks. It’s a good idea to reseal the areas around the tub, sink, and tiles, in order to prevent water from infiltrating to floors and causing damage.

3. Update the electrical wiring

Upgrade rental properties electrical systems in order to keep the homes safe for the tenants. This will prevent outages, shorts, and electrical fires. Always hire licenced contractors to work on your electrical system as required by law. Make sure that you hire electricians that have liability insurance.

4. Repaint the interior and exterior of your properties

You shouldn’t wait until paint starts to peel off or walls become dingy and damaged. Applying a new coat of paint yourself or hiring a professional painter can greatly extend the life of your building and also increase its curb appeal and marketability.

5. Replace air filters

Don’t neglect your air ducts, as they might get clogged and require professional cleaning which can be quite costly. Additionally, by not replacing the air filters regularly, you risk leaving your tenants without cooling or heat until the contractors fix the issue. You can avoid spending money on contractors by adding filter replacing to your rental maintenance checklist.

6. Make sure the smoke detectors are functional

In order to check whether the smoke detectors and other similar devices are functional, you should schedule periodical checks with the tenants. A carbon monoxide or a smoke detector that fails to go off in case of emergency could lead to injury and serious damage. Additionally, you could also be held responsible in a court of law. Prevent this by replacing the batteries regularly, checking the wiring, and investing in new devices.

7. Check for pests

There are many new pests in Australia that can be very harmful for a property . Dealing with one of these pests can be quite expensive and tenants might have to move until the problem is resolved. Additionally, they might decide to move out. Every few months, you should examine your property in order to ensure that there are no infestations. If you suspect that your property might be affected by a pest, call a professional pest control team.

8. Use a property management platform

By using a property management platform, you can hire local contractors instantly. You only have to post your job, wait for the contractors to place their offers, and choose the one that you prefer. 

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