Maintenance tasks to perform on your rental property this autumn

The summer months are a great time to kick back and relax and make the most of the weather, but now autumn has arrived, it’s time to focus your attention on your rental property. Whether it’s currently occupied or not, autumn is a great time to schedule those much-needed repairs you’ve been putting off while the temperatures have simply been too unbearable.

After all, we’re slowly becoming a nation of DIY-ers. The Westpac Renovation Report shows that between 2010 and 2014, the number of home renovations increased 147 per cent. Spending in this area has been at its highest since early 2012, with Victoria one of the country’s main hot spots.

A well-maintained property is not only more enticing to prospective tenants, but it will also give the right impression to anyone who’s already leasing your property. Here are just some of the tasks you might want to prioritise over the next few months.

A lick of paint

Painting can go a long way, whether it’s inside or outside your rental property in Melbourne. Sunlight can soon start to bleach interior paintwork and lead paint on gates, fences and doors to start cracking and peeling.

It will only cost you a few dollars for a tin of paint and a brush, and the results can be impressive. If you’re unsure of which rooms or areas need attention, check with existing tenants (if you have any) for suggestions.

Get your air conditioning and heaters serviced

Ideally, your air conditioning units should be serviced before and after the summer months, as this is when they’ll typically be used the most. Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show almost half of households throughout the country use reverse cycle air conditioning systems – only 26 per cent didn’t use any cooling method.

During the colder months, a heater in particular, becomes the most important fixture in your home. Without it, the house would be an uncomfortable place to live in. As such, it is imperative that a heater is taken care of. Gas heaters should be inspected for potential problems, repaired as needed and even replaced if necessary.

Getting your heating and cooling systems serviced will make sure it performs as efficiently as it should. It’s important to get an expert to do this, as they’ll be able to check all the components, safety devices and thermostats.

Check your smoke alarms

Every property in Victoria is required by law to have a smoke alarm fitted. However, it’s not enough to simply provide one in the property you rent out, it needs to be kept in full working order.

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade warns that without an operational smoke alarm, you are 57 per cent more likely to suffer loss and damage to your property. Regular tests will make sure your smoke alarm will sound in the event of fire – and remember that you’re legally obliged to replace them every 10 years.

Thorough cleaning

The drier months can lead to an accumulation of dust and dirt throughout your rental property, which is why autumn is an ideal time to schedule a thorough clean. If it’s not something you want to tackle yourself, think about enlisting the help of a specialist company who will have all the right equipment for the job.

They’ll also be able to tackle some of the areas you might not have thought about, from the skirting boards to on top of cupboards. Kick starting the next season with a sparkling clean house is sure to go down well with any prospective tenants!

For help making your rental property a success, get in touch with Nelson Alexander Real Estate.