Now’s the Time for Money-Saving Rental Maintenance Tips

By E-Renter Tenant Screening
Posted on June 20, 2011 under Landlord Tips | Be the First to Comment

Despite the fact that the rental market is strong, times are still tight. Saving money is a necessity for many landlords today. One way to accomplish this goal is by maintaining and improving your rental properties in the most cost-efficient way.

Landlords know that tenants don’t always leave rental units in the best condition. Keeping in mind that tenants can be hard on your rental property can guide your decisions when planning maintenance or improvements.

Here are some ideas that can help your keep your rental properties in good shape—without breaking the bank.

• Visit recycled building materials stores for inexpensive cabinet pulls, hinges, switch plate covers and even light fixtures. Even dollar stores have a good selection of low-priced hardware.
• Install inexpensive window treatments, such as mini blinds. This requires an investment up front, but can save money in the long run because tenants won’t be drilling in to window frames and damaging the woodwork. And you won’t be puttying and repainting after each tenant.
• Check Craigslist.com for used or nearly-new appliances when you need to install replacements in your rental units. Fully functional dishwashers for $75, stoves for $100 or $150 refrigerators are typical deals you can find. While there are no warranties with used appliances, you can save money and keep an appliance out of the landfill at the same time.
• Use the same paint color in all of your units. Don’t be tempted to purchase an off color that’s on sale unless you plan to use it all up—and save enough for touch-ups. It might make better sense to use the same color so you always have the right match for covering scratches and chips.

With these tips and some effort on your part, you can reduce the costs of maintaining and improving your rental properties!