As I’ve bought more and more rental properties, I’ve l acquired that maintenance is a constant problem, but everything from mowing the shrubberys to increasing Heating & A/C filters needs to be done on a regular basis.
- The renters can not be depended on to take care of even minimal upkeep.
They don’t rake up leaves, sweep the sidewalks or even keep the stairways clear. Every time I visit the properties, I find garbage in the shrubbery, weeds in the gardens and all sorts of stuff piled in the hallways, then i have sent out letters, reminders and warnings about what is permitted. I would hope that the renters would take pride in the property. Instead, I find dog poop, adolescents toys and beer cans in the yard. I can’t mow the shrubbery until I’ve spent half an hour picking up after the renters. I now throw away anything I find. If someone leaves a tricycle or a hibachi grill in the yard, it goes in the trash. If there is pet feces in the sod, all of the renters incur a fine. It’s extremely discouraging. I’ve even tried hiring professionals to help with the maintenance of the plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical systems. I enroll in a program that includes weekly service, but when the workers show up at the property, multiple of the renters refuse to let them in. I still pay the same amount whether or not the Heating & A/C worker cleans and adjusts the air conditioners or not. The same renters who refuse to allow the plumber access to the cabin to disinfect the drains and flush the water furnaces are the ones who call myself and others in the middle of the night because of a dripping faucet.