If you own and run a Trinidad rental property, sooner or later, your tenant will at times call you with a summon for maintenance or repairs. It’s vital to grasp well the best ways to respond to different tenant requests. If you are handy, there are some things you could conceivably deal with yourself. On the other hand, there are times when giving your best shot to fix something yourself could only make matters worse. To know exactly when to call in a maintenance tech, here are a few questions you can use to assess any given problem situation.
How urgent is the problem?
If your tenant has contacted you in regard to a repair or maintenance issue, you should first inquire how urgent the problem is. Notwithstanding that your tenant may be angry regarding an unacceptably faulty working dishwasher or dripping faucet, these are maintenance items that do not warrant an emergency visit. But instead, if your tenant reports an issue that would make the property uninhabitable, you should take immediate action to rectify the distressing problem. Different examples include significant water leaks and damage or a non-functioning furnace or air conditioner. In these types of predicaments, it is desirable to call for the help of professionals.
Do you know how to do it yourself?
If you have experience bringing about maintenance and repair tasks, you may be the right person to act on a tenant’s request. This is even more so if the task is quite an easy one or something you already know how to do. But despite that, correcting something in an emergency without the proper tools or know-how could spell a major wreck. Considering this, if you are either not absolutely sure how to actually correct the issue or don’t have time to do it at once, it’s conceivably best to send a service technician to take care of it for you.
Is doing it yourself REALLY the best use of your time?
Another really important question to consider is whether going over to your rental property and completing repair and maintenance tasks is the best use of your time. Every hour you spend on property repairs and maintenance is an hour you are not spending on other more significant things, whether managing your investments or spending quality time with loved ones. If you consider how much your time costs, it may be more economical to hire a service tech instead.
Do the repairs require a licensed professional?
Quite a few maintenance and repair items are nearly convenient, do-it-yourself tasks, such as replacing filters or cleaning the refrigerator coils. Having said that, others may definitely need the services of a licensed professional. Such assignments are either too dangerous or difficult for untrained Trinidad property managers to do themselves. Electrical problems, major plumbing issues, and concerns with an HVAC unit should all be put into the hands of a professional service technician.
Is regular maintenance being scheduled?
To keep your rental property in good condition, you may have to ensure that regular maintenance is properly undertaken. If your tenant seems unable or unwilling to help you with some routine maintenance tasks, you will have to endeavor to do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you. Whatever the case, proactive maintenance is one of the best practices to fend off those late-night emergency calls and keep tabs on your property’s condition. By maintaining and replacing things before they break or wear out, you can reduce your maintenance and repair costs and keep your tenants content and overjoyed.
If property maintenance and repairs are not your favorite part of owning a rental home, we surely can help! At Real Property Management DC Metro, we work with a proactive approach to property maintenance. We also have easy access to a network of quality service providers who can keep your property in serviceable and mint condition for less than you’d conceivably pay on your own. Contact us online to learn more!
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