Maintance cost is geting out of control in SF Bay Area

[Michael Delpier]

Help! The hourly rate and added line items are getting out of control for the maintenance costs in my San Mateo properties. Is this just me, or is this also happening to others???

I use a property manager who does a straight pass through of the maintenance costs, so I know it is not the PM's fault. But Plumbers are now charging $145/hour, and are adding an inspection fee and travel time into their bills. A simple unclogging of the drain is $350+!!! It used to be around $95-$120 before.

Fixing the dishwasher drain tube was $300! All they did was pull out the dishwasher and replace the drain tube.

I can't sustain this level of increased maintenance without significantly increasing the rent. Rent is slightly below market but just raised it 5%. Renters are nearing 50% of their income for rent, so this cant go much higher. Anyone have a solution? Anyone have a good plumber or handy man in the San Mateo Area?