Best tips for maintenance of your vacation rental home

All homes need maintenance, you know this because of the things you do around your primary residence to keep it going.  Vacation homes need routine maintenance as well.  Some things work better when they are being used rather than sitting.  Hinges for example may corrode if they are not regularly used.  Your vacation rental property should be scheduled for periodic maintenance.  Consult our checklist below for items that you or your property management company should be looking at during a complete inspection.

One of the most common problems with all homes is a leaking toilet.  When the stopper made of flexible materials gets hard or will not sit well, water leaks out.  You may notice it at your primary residence because there is usually a noise associated with the leak.  

At a vacation rental, you only know of it when your water bill shows up or a guest or property management company draws attention to it.  I have suffered from many leaking toilets in the past and on occasion noticed it because of the water bill.  

Not all maintenance must be done now

Not all maintenance issues will cost you up front as will a leaking toilet.  Wood rot for example on exterior areas takes time to set in and if not corrected early will cost you even more to repair. Many people own rental properties with long-term tenants or guests.  It seems that no matter what you tell some tenants about reporting issues, many will fail to do so until there is a major incident.  

I recall a leaking sink at a property, the tenant knew it, and they even put a pan there to catch the water.  The pan overflowed and saturated the underlying floor and caused thousands of dollars in water damage.  

Don’t ignore that water heater.  All water heaters with a tank need maintenance.  The anode rod should be replaced every couple of years.  This rod is designed to disintegrate over time to keep the system from rusting and corroding.  

If your water heater leaks, it could not only cause massive damage to your property but prevent guests from staying there.  It also creates stress and requires additional costs of supervising the repairs.  Don’t forget to maintain the water heater in your primary home.

A study by the National Association of Home Builders found that

homeowners who perform regular maintenance on their homes can save an average of $2,500 per year. This means that over 20 years, homeowners who do regular maintenance can save up to $50,000.

Beach property is subject to salt air

If you own a beach house or condo, your property is subject to salt corrosion on metal surfaces.  It’s important to periodically clean exterior metal surfaces including the door hardware.  This article does not go into detail on how to perform maintenance on specific items but you can go to YouTube to find ways to repair, clean, or otherwise manage things such as plumbing.

Your short-term rental property may require a bit more regular maintenance than your home.  Some guests are hard on the property, breaking blinds, spilling liquids on carpets, and much more.  Early detection of some of the issues guests create can prevent costly repairs.  How about that air conditioning system?  Every summer without fail, one of my AC systems will have issues.  

The situation would be worse if the units were not in good condition and cleaned each year.  The major issues with air conditioning systems are refrigerant leaks, clogged air filters, and clogged coils.  Replacing filters will reduce the junk that gets into the coil but the coil should be cleaned each year.  

Vacation properties are seeing fewer guests

During the past year, vacation properties have seen fewer guests which means fewer eyes on the property.  Regular rentals keep things working better for two main reasons, first, the frequency of use keeps things working.  Appliances are used so you know if they stop working.  The second is that many guests will complain if something is not right.  Property management companies do a good job keeping up with vacation home maintenance but they are not at the property all of the time.

It’s particularly important now that properties are not being rented as often that things such as light bulbs be replaced.  Often lights will be left on for security or by accident and the bulbs will burn out.  As mentioned above, toilets can start leaking the day after the property is cleaned and inspected.  How about those carbon monoxide and smoke detectors going off because of low batteries during a guest stay?  Remember that guest experience rating is important.

In the South, it is not uncommon for a property that has been sitting idle for a while to accumulate a collection of dead insects.  With nothing to eat or drink, they lay on the floor until hopefully they are found by the property manager.  Signs of pests mean that you need to have effective pest control for your property.  The best time to treat is of course when the property is vacant.

Managing your property from a distance is not a good idea

Another thing to consider is that trying to manage your vacant second home or vacation home is difficult without property managers on site.  What happens if there is a severe weather event?  How will you know if there is damage?  Who will coordinate repairs?  The peace of mind that knowing someone is there to manage your vacant property is worth their fees.

Should your property have a swimming pool, you will of course require regular pool maintenance services to maintain it.  This brings me to another key point, property managers maintain their list of local repair companies who are efficient and usually cost-effective.  Using your keyless entry system, repair technicians can gain access to repair leaks and do other maintenance.  

If you have a house with a lawn and garden, you will need a gardener to take care of the landscaping to keep the outside of your property in prime condition.  The landscaper is also part of the team that keeps an eye on your property.  

This individual can report any signs of damage e.g. vehicle hit your gate or, a tree fell in the yard.  Some landscapers also clean gutters which is important in some areas.  Local laws often require a minimum of ground maintenance even for large lots.  Regular services by your landscaper will keep your property off of your neighbor’s radar.

Insurance companies will inspect your property

One thing that property insurance companies consider when renewing policies is how well the property is maintained.  They hate insuring vacant properties.  They will notice tree limbs hanging over the house and require them to be removed.  

If your property is not well maintained from the street view, the insurance company will notify you to fix it or they will cancel your policy which your mortgage lender requires that you have.  The good news is that between the professional property manager, landscaper, and others performing cleaning and maintenance, potential issues get corrected.  

An important reason to maintain your valuable asset is property value.  Anyone who owns a home will concur that preventative maintenance will reduce the long-term cost of owning the home.  You can plan for many maintenance tasks in advance with our checklist.  Property owners should be budgeting for maintenance costs for their vacation property, particularly for your income-generating property. If your roof is getting older and is not maintained, you can lose your insurance coverage.

Your roof can be the most costly item if not maintained

Maintaining a roof is crucial for protecting your home from the elements and preventing costly repairs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to maintaining your roof and ensuring its longevity:

1. Regular Inspections: Schedule an annual inspection with a qualified roofing contractor to thoroughly assess the condition of your roof. They will check for signs of damage, such as missing or cracked shingles, loose flashing, and any other potential issues.
2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and damage your roof, siding, and foundation. Regularly clean your gutters and downspouts, especially after storms, to ensure proper water drainage.
3. Trim Overhanging Branches: Overhanging tree branches can rub against your roof, causing damage to shingles and providing a pathway for pests. Trim branches that are within 10 feet of your roof to prevent contact and potential damage.
4. Remove Debris and Moss: Accumulated debris, such as leaves, twigs, and moss, can retain moisture and promote the growth of algae, which can damage your roof. Regularly remove debris and consider applying an algaecide to prevent moss growth.
5. Seal Around Vents and Pipes: Check for gaps and cracks around vents, pipes, and other rooftop fixtures. Use a high-quality sealant to prevent water intrusion and potential leaks.
6. Address Minor Issues Promptly: Don’t ignore minor problems like loose shingles or flashing. Address these issues promptly to prevent them from escalating into bigger problems that could require more extensive repairs.
7. Consider Professional Cleaning: If your roof is heavily soiled or has accumulated moss or algae, consider hiring a professional roof cleaning service. They have the expertise and equipment to thoroughly clean your roof without causing damage.
8. Document Maintenance: Keep a record of your roof maintenance activities, including inspection dates, repairs performed, and any observations made by the roofing contractor. This documentation can be helpful for future reference and warranty claims.
9. Understand Your Roof Warranty: Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your roof warranty. This will help you determine what is covered and when to file a claim if necessary.
10. Seek Professional Assistance When Needed: If you notice any significant damage or have concerns about your roof’s condition, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified roofing contractor. They can assess the situation and provide recommendations for repair or replacement.

Regular maintenance is essential for extending the lifespan of your roof, preventing costly repairs, and ensuring your home’s protection from the elements. By following these guidelines and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can keep your roof in top condition and safeguard your investment.

Some property maintenance items to consider 

Most vacation rental properties have WIFI which is needed not only for TVs but to help you connect with your electronic locks, security lights, and alarm systems. It’s pretty common for the signal to be too weak to maintain a constant signal with the door lock or other WIFI item. Be sure that you install devices that will boost the signal to those key electronic components you need access to.

Recently I received notification from the lock manufacturer that the front door electronic lock had lost connectivity. The property owner is also copied by the email and thought that the door may be unlocked. It was not but there is no need to take a chance. Be sure that your cell phone when placed by any of your key devices is getting several bars.

Check all of your electronic devices to be sure they are working as they should. Sometimes cameras get knocked out of place. If you have a security system, be aware that those contact devices on doors and windows need batteries. Check the panel and see the level of energy left. Buy some replacement batteries and keep them there, often these are unusual sizes not available in grocery stores or corner stores.

This article about batteries for your electronic door lock and other electronic devices is a must-read. Those batteries in your door lock are working 24/7 communicating to the wifi router. That drains the batteries. The information in this article will help you not only choose the best batteries but also learn how to extend their life.

Vacation Rental Property Maintenance Checklist

The checklist below can be downloaded onto your computer by clicking the button below. Not all properties are the same so you can modify this checklist for your specific property. Some of the items on the checklist can be broken down into multiple items by adding lines.

A good example is that you may want to expand the items for your garage by checking the door opener, lights, electrical, etc. Of course, the actual checklist is larger and designed to fit on an 8 1/2×11 page, sometimes your notes will require more space. Use the back of the checklist for more notes.

Some may want to know who performed the checklist and what date it was performed. Simply add lines and request the information. This vacation rental property maintenance checklist is just a start.