Maintenance Items

[Paul Salmela]

In the past few years I have purchased several rental properties (up to 19 now). Most of these properties are townhomes so I’m typically not responsible for most of the outside items. I have started to compile a checklist of items that I’d like review when I inspect these properties once or twice a year. So far I have are the following items:

Change furnace filter (In encourage my tenants to do this but it doesn’t always get done)
Inspect water heater and ensure bottom isn’t rusting out (am also considering draining a few gallons to get sediment out).
Check caulk in bathroom
Check under sinks for any moisture
Check garage door/opener for smooth operation

Can anyone help me to add to this list?

[Bill Gulley]

I begin outside; walks, steps, railings, decking in good condition, check for nails popping up too. Splash blocks in place, gutters free of obstructions, downspouts attached properly. Siding or exterior in good condition, painted areas checked for cracks and peeling, windows cracked, broken, screens in good condition. Inspect roof for raised shingles, nails popping, vents sealed and in good condition, drip edge secured and facia condition being free of rot/decay. Walk any fence row, fencing secured, posts and caps on posts. Wood fences in good condition, popping nails again? PAved areas in good shape, cracks caulked or filled (pervents further freezing damage), security check of locks and exterior lights, timers working. Any outbuildinds, condition and secured. Electrical service lines from pole to house free of limbs and properly secured, weatherhead properly secured to meter back. Foundation cracks and crawl space doors secured, foundation vents, condition and open or closed for weather, water and gas, HVAC holes caulked entering foundation. Outside water hydaunts in good shape, not leaking. Grading around foundation adequate for runoff. Mailbox secured and in good shape.

Now you can go inside.....