Owning rental property that you lease to tenants is a great way to add extra income into your savings account every month. However, there are months when that deposit may be a little smaller due to the need to complete maintenance and repairs at the property you are renting out. 

Many individuals choose to rent a home or an apartment for the sole purpose of avoiding any unexpected expenses when it comes to repairs. Many people find comfort and peace of mind knowing that the only expense they will need to budget into their finances for the month is the cost of their rent. They would rather pay a slightly higher price, for the assurance that they won’t be the one responsible to replace the heating and air conditioning or replace the stove, when the older system or appliance no longer is working properly.

As a property owner, who rents out their residential property, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have enough room in your budget to cover any of those unexpected costs that most definitely will arise sooner or later. 

If you want to know what repairs are your responsibility as a rental property owner, keep reading to learn the appliances and systems that will cut into your profits.

While paying to keep the home or apartment warm or cool is the expense of the tenant, making sure the systems are working and functioning in the proper manner is your job as the owner. This is one of the most costly repairs when it comes to affecting the bottom line. 

One way to help keep your furnace and air conditioner in good working order, is to spring for the service fee every year to have the unit cleaned and properly maintained. Going the extra mile up front, may end up saving you big bucks in the long run for costly repairs, or even worse, needing to install a whole new unit.

Another tip to consider if you do need to make a replacement, is to choose an energy efficient unit. While it may cost a few more dollars up front, it can be a selling feature to highlight, when it comes time to find a new tenant and show the property. Many consumers nowadays are extremely conservative about their energy costs and usage, and knowing they are helping the environment, and keeping a little extra change in their pocket every month, will make them feel good about their choice.  

The plumbing is another household system responsibility that belongs to the owner of the property. Any line maintenance, water leaks, fixture issues - such as the shower or faucets -, and the toilets are billed to you. 

Although plumbing is your responsibility as a rental property owner, it is imperative that your tenants know that it is their responsibility to be using the systems properly. There should be a clause in your lease clearly stating that any misuse will be charged back to them, the tenants. Disposing of garbage properly, not flushing it down the toilet , would be a prime example of why you might require a tenant to pay for a repair. 

Any homeowner will tell you that it is the responsibility of the homeowner to have the proper safety devices or features in the home. Smoke detectors, CO2 alarms and fire extinguishers are all items that are your responsibility to maintain.

Other safety features you will want to ensure are up to code are stair railings and balcony rails, boards and spindles. 

Making sure your tenants are safe in the home is imperative, not only because it is the right thing to do, but also to ensure that you are not liable for any accidents.

The refrigerator, stove, dishwasher are all common appliances that would divert back to the responsibility of the owner of the property. Other “optional” appliances, such as a microwave or washing machine and clothes dryer are the landlord’s responsibility if they are provided with the unit. 

Routine pest control is another maintenance task that falls to the responsibility of the owner. Often pest control service schedules are especially maintained on the property for the warmer months during the Spring, Summer and Fall, when insects are more common to see around.   

Pest control issues that may revert back to the tenant, however, would be bed bugs and roaches, that most likely could have been avoided if the tenant had taken better care of the unit and cleaned and disposed of waste properly.

When you want to know what repairs are your responsibility as a rental property owner, consider these items discussed here. To ensure there are no unexpected surprises for either you or your tenant, be sure to discuss up-front, what issues you consider their responsibility. Everyday maintenance such as light bulls, air filters, and lawncare are maintenance issues they should be prepared to cover the expense of. 

Making sure all parties are clear on what’s expected, will help keep everyone happy and hopefully will ensure a long and happy landlord/tenant relationship.

While many maintenance issues may be at your expense, as the property owner, you do not need to be bothered with overseeing these often time-consuming tasks. At Thousand Hills Realty, Inc, we will oversee all management and maintenance needs on your behalf. Call us today at (417) 337-8081 to learn how we can assist in the management of your rental property.