Preparing for spring is a tag team effort that requires both landlords and renters to share responsibilities so that the rental property stays clean and remains well-maintained in the new season. For example, property owners need to address spring-specific issues like leaky faucets and garden overgrowth. Aside from landlords, tenants are also responsible to keep the property clean and detect new repairs needed. Continue reading below as this article highlights both landlords’ and tenants’ shared responsibility and why they need to work closely together.
Common Spring Repair Needs
Plumbing Issues
With the colder months behind, pipes that froze over winter are ready to thaw, showing new cracks or leaks that can cause water damage. Another common plumbing issue that’s peculiar to spring is roof damage, as melting ice can clog gutters and waterways. That gives room for the pooling water to weaken the integrity of your roof and cause leaks that can compromise other house structures. As a rule, landlords are generally responsible for such major plumbing repairs, but a tenant must report it as soon as they notice.
Yard Work
Roll up your sleeves for some intense yard work during springtime. With new growth comes overgrown trees and shrubs that need trimming. It would also be a good idea to pull out your lawn mower to keep the grass low and tidy such as major plumbing issues, outdoor maintenance, and landscaping are under the landlord’s domain.
Prepare for weather-related problems as spring is the most likely season to experience heavy winds and rainfall. It means exterior fittings like your roof, gutter, and siding are more likely to take a beating, which could cause structural damage. If you’re a tenant, it’s your job to notify the landlord when you spot any visible signs of trouble so they can fix the issue. Property management companies usually have a reserve fund used for repairs.
- Reporting and Communication
If you’re a tenant and notice a leaky sink or clogged gutter, it’s your responsibility to alert your landlord as soon as possible to the damage. On the other hand, a property owner must respond to such complaints in a timely manner and make appropriate arrangements to fix them. It would also be in everyone’s best interest to maintain an ongoing line of communication. For instance, the homeowner may let the renter know what day of the week the plumber is coming, and the renter can reply with a time that’s convenient for them if necessary.
- Routine Maintenance
Another responsibility both parties share is routine maintenance. Generally, property owners handle the bulk of major property maintenance needs, including roof inspections, HVAC inspections, and landscaping. In comparison, tenants keep up with everyday property maintenance by replacing air filters, keeping drains clear, and cleaning gutters.
Benefits of Proactive Reporting for Landlords and Tenants
- Prevent Property Damage
Keep property damage at bay by proactively reporting minor issues before they escalate into major ones. For instance, a leaky faucet may start off as a small inconvenience, but left unchecked can quickly cause water damage that causes your furniture to deteriorate. It also creates the perfect breeding ground for mold, which can compromise the health of the residents. Thus, proactive reporting goes a long way in preventing significant property damage.
- Reduce Long-Term Repair Costs
Another benefit of alerting landlords to issues early is that it reduces your long-term repair costs. It’s much easier to handle a broken shingle than replace an entire section of your roof. There’s no better way to cut down on your repair budget than by spending on proactive repairs and maintenance.
- Improve Landlord-Tenant Relationship
Besides keeping the property in good shape and helping both parties save money, proactive reporting can also improve the relationship between landlords and their tenants. After all, it’s easy for property owners to bear grudges when they spend a fortune on fixing an issue that could have easily been fixed if the renter had reported earlier. Tenants don’t appreciate being in the dark when it comes to repairs, especially if it inconveniences them directly. Better communication creates mutual respect and trust between both parties, which leads to fewer conflicts.
Conclusion
Prioritize working with your landlord or tenant to prepare your home for spring. With heavy rainfall, winds, and melting ice, rental properties are at more risk of developing plumbing issues. Leaky faucets, blocked gutters, and overgrown shrubs are often problems that occur during the spring season and usually require a quick fix. As a result, both parties have to work together by communicating about identified issues and giving updates on repairs. In the long run, this collaboration will prevent damage to your property, reduce long-term repair costs, and even build a more positive landlord-tenant relationship.
