Summer is one of the best times for renting out your property, in almost anyplace in the country. That’s because there are lots of leases which expire during the summertime, and that means tenants will be looking for new dwellings. There’s always loads of competition between property owners, and that means you’ll have to do something to make your property stand out, and to be in outstanding condition so as to appeal to renters. Here are some things you can do to ensure that your rental property maintenance and your rental property is ready for the summer season.
It’s a good idea to double check your hoses, sprinklers, and all other water sources you have around the property of your rental unit. Landscape maintenance is something that is usually factored into the desirability of any given rental property, and potential tenants will probably ask about it. By making sure that your system is ready to go, it will be a big plus for your property, and it just might help you to stand out from your competitors.
Air conditioning
There aren’t many things which are more important to a tenant during summertime than a reliable system of air conditioning. Make sure to check that your cooling system is in good shape before the season arrives, and you should even consider hiring an HVAC professional to confirm this. This is a great way to ward off any major repair bills, because early-season maintenance will generally catch worn parts or parts which are subject to failure. Also keep in mind that most air conditioning units only have a shelf life of between 10 and 15 years, so if yours is approaching that age, you may want to consider a complete replacement. If you have a newer system, make sure to change the filters so they are ready for the upcoming season.
Get ready for bugs
One thing about summer which no one particularly appreciates is that it generally signals the return of cockroaches, ants and other nuisance pests which tend to plague rental properties. Take whatever steps you can to prevent an infestation from occurring, for instance making sure your window screens are intact, and that there’s a good seal around your windows and doors. If you do observe a large number of unwanted critters in your property, you may even have to call a pest control agency to manage the situation for you.
Clean the pool
If your rental property happens to have a pool which is available for renters, it will always be one of the major attractions of your unit, so you have to keep it in good operating condition. Make sure your pool filter and cleaner is working properly, and make sure that any debris which is blown in by the wind is regularly cleared out. Since this is such a powerful appeal to many renters, it’s important that you use it to best advantage as a selling point.
Alter the direction of your ceiling fans
If you weren’t aware of this, the ceiling fans which are installed in your dwelling need to be rotated at different times of the year. During the summer, your fan should be rotating in a counter-clockwise manner so as to distribute fresh air also the dwelling. During wintertime, the fan should be changed to rotate in a clockwise direction. If you don’t do this modification yourself, make sure your property manager does it, or you can instruct your tenants about how to accomplish it.