Landlord's Guide to Property Maintenance

Megan Bullock / apartments.com • May 20, 2021

Maintaining a successful rental business often comes down to being prepared for the unexpected. You can thoroughly screen tenants, perform routine inspections, and charge competitively for rent, but these tactics won’t always guarantee success. Maintenance issues can happen at any time at any rental property and repairs can sometimes be tricky and costly. Because of this, property maintenance poses a threat to your rental income. To ensure you’re prepared, let’s dive into our landlord’s guide to property maintenance.

Move-In and Move-Out Maintenance

When one tenant leaves and another moves in, you’ll need to prepare yourself for move-in and move-out inspections, maintenance, and repairs. After a tenant moves out, the unit will need to be brought back to its original state for the next tenant to move in, especially if the prior tenant doesn’t leave the unit the way they found it. To stay organized, try out our nine step apartment turnover checklist to get your property in tip-top shape between tenancies. During the move-in and move-out process, there are a few types of maintenance tasks you should be tackling.

Basic repairs

If you haven’t found a new tenant just yet, it’s the perfect time to perform basic repair and maintenance tasks before marketing your rental. If you’ve already found a new tenant, you will be in a better position to avoid any potential vacancies that will cost you rental income. However, you’ll need to complete these basic repairs efficiently to ensure your unit is ready for move-in day.

Basic property repairs include deep cleaning the entire unit, washing windows, deodorizing carpets, checking smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and repainting where necessary.

Preventive maintenance

The move-in and move-out process is a great time to tackle preventive maintenance as well as basic repairs. This type of maintenance will help you fix small problems before they become bigger issues. Preventive maintenance may include checking the gutters, any included appliances, the septic system, the HVAC, and the chimney and fireplace (if applicable). There’s a long list to consider, but if you’re on a time crunch between tenancies, prioritize these five preventive maintenance tasks to keep your unit in good shape.

Property improvements

If your unit isn’t holding up well between tenancies, it may be time to make some improvements, repairs, and renovations to make your property durable and low maintenance. From switching the carpet to laminate flooring to replacing doors to installing easy-to-clean countertops, there are several property improvements you can make to ensure your property can hold up to long-term tenants or multiple tenant turnovers. Although renovations may cost you more upfront, these property improvements will likely save you in monthly maintenance and repair costs long term. Rental renovations can also increase the value of your investment, so you can potentially charge more for rent and increase your rental income.

Seasonal maintenance

You should be performing routine property inspections, but there are certain maintenance and repair tasks that must be done seasonally. As the leaves change, there will be specific fall maintenance tasks to tackle, and shortly after, you’ll need to focus on the colder weather tasks like winterizing your unit. These tasks include cleaning the gutters, installing window seals and extra attic and/or basement insulation, maintaining the fireplace, using a water heater blanket, and changing the air filters. And when the weather warms once again, it’ll be time to tackle your spring maintenance checklist.

DIY Maintenance and Repairs All Landlords Can Do

Because all your properties will need maintenance and repairs from time to time, it may come in handy to have some basic skills, knowledge, and tools to handle certain tasks. Not every repair should require a professional; there are a few DIY maintenance and repair tasks all landlords can learn how to do.

Leaky faucets

Faucets wear out over time, and when they do, they have a tendency to waste water, which is why fixing leaky faucets in a timely manner is so important. Our guide to leaky faucets details the process of identifying the type of faucet you have, isolating the issue, and fixing the faucet based on type. You’ll have your faucet working properly again in no time after honing your skills with our go-to guide.

Lawn and garden care

If you don’t require your tenants to maintain the lawn and garden in the lease, the task is up to you (if you don’t want to hire a professional). To keep everything green, beautiful, and eco-friendly, check out our top lawn and garden care tips for DIY landlords.

Clogged pipes

Basic plumbing should be on every landlord’s DIY list, especially since plumbing issues are so common in rental properties. There are plenty of preventive measures to take to keep clogged pipes from reoccurring, including providing tenants with proper plumbing tools, avoiding harsh drain cleaners, and treating pipes regularly to prevent clogs.

Drywall patching

Fixing a crack or even a hole in drywall may seem like a big project, but it’s quite simple and is something you can handle on your own with a few tools, like a lightweight spackle and a putty knife. Afterwards, just repaint the area and your drywall will be looking good as new for your incoming tenant.

Removing mold and mildew

Mold and mildew can become serious issues in a rental property. The first step to addressing this problem is figuring out where the moisture is coming from, which is what creates mold and mildew. Physically removing the mold may be a large task, but it should still be simple. From testing the mold for toxicity to controlling the moisture, you should be able to remove the mold and mildew in your unit without professional help.

Maintenance and Repairs That May Require Professional Help

Even if you’re the handiest landlord you know, we all have our limits. Sometimes it’s best to hire out to trustworthy contractors to handle the job. By doing so, you may even learn a thing or two from contractors about how to fix maintenance issues in the future. For certain repairs, it may even be required by law to have a professional handle the job, so check your state laws before you tackle any projects that are outside of your wheelhouse. Although there are still many repairs you can do yourself, you may want to consider hiring a professional to avoid any missteps.

HVAC servicing

You can certainly check the HVAC to ensure it’s working as a form of preventive maintenance, but when it comes to servicing the HVAC system, you may want to hire a professional. HVAC servicing may end up being a bigger project than a DIY landlord is willing to take on.

Electrical maintenance

If your rental has electrical issues, it’s probably in your best interest to hold off on any DIY repairs and wait for a professional to assist you. Electricians are in business for a reason, so avoid attempting to fix your unit’s electrical maintenance on your own.

Water damage

Water damage can stem from overflowing toilets, a leaky appliance, burst pipes, or a natural disaster and can end up causing severe damage and mold growth. Although you can step in and stop the flow of water in most cases by turning off the main water supply line, there’s not much else you can do unless you have direct experience dealing with water damage. Do yourself, your tenant, and your rental a favor by calling in a professional contractor to help.

Roof maintenance and replacement

On average, roofs need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years. And even if you have a brand-new roof, you may not be in the clear when it comes to maintenance and repairs. Inclement weather can damage shingles or portions of the roof even if it’s new or in good shape. If any damage has occurred or if you wish to repair an older roof, hold off on any DIY maintenance and call professional roofers to do the job.

Removing termites

Routine pest control is a great way to deter pests from invading your rental. However, if termites find their way into your unit, simple pest control spray and bait won’t do the trick. A small termite problem can potentially be handled in a DIY manner, but anything closer to a termite infestation should be handled by professionals to prevent any further damage.

How to Manage Maintenance and Repair Requests Online

By listing your property on Apartments.com, you’ll have access to a full suite of rental tools that includes software used to manage maintenance requests and communicate with tenants about repairs. Through their account, tenants can request repairs from any device and provide you with the details you’ll need. They can even include photos and videos to their online request. Whether you’re repairing the issues yourself or hiring a service professional, you can easily update tenants about scheduled repairs through the portal. Stay organized by managing maintenance for all your units through your account and keep records of past requests for future reference. You can even attach receipts, add notes to yourself, and track related expenses. Your unit(s) will always need maintenance and repairs, and with Apartments.com, you can manage everything in one place.

Common Maintenance Questions

Not all property owners and managers double as contractors, so there’s a line that needs to be drawn between DIY maintenance and professional help. But there are many other maintenance topics to cover aside from who repairs the issue. Let’s go over a few additional maintenance questions that may be weighing on your mind.

How do I find a trustworthy contractor?

A good contractor is worth every penny, and a bad contractor will cost you much more. Remember that you’re looking for more than just a helping hand; you need a contractor you can rely on. Check out our top four tips for finding and hiring a trustworthy contractor.

How long should my appliances last?

If you plan to include appliances in your rental, you want to ensure they are low maintenance and durable, which is why it’s important to do your research before purchasing appliances. Check out the average service life of various appliances, as well as our tips and tricks for purchasing and maintaining appliances in your rental. And if it comes down to it, here’s the tools you’ll need for DIY appliance repair and maintenance.

Should I charge my tenants a maintenance fee?

It’s not entirely uncommon for landlords and property managers to charge a fee for every maintenance request or repair. However, there are pros and cons to doing so. If you’re on the fence, check out the benefits of not charging a maintenance request fee or repair deductible.

Is a landlord or tenant responsible for repairs?

When it comes down to it, who is the lucky owner of the repair bill? First things first, check your lease agreement to see who is responsible for what. In general, landlords are responsible for anything that presents a safety issue or that breaks due to age or normal wear and tear. Check out our guide to learn more about what maintenance and repairs landlords and tenants are responsible for.

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How To Make Sure Your Sale Crosses the Finish Line

By KCM • December 12, 2025

How To Make Sure Your Sale Crosses the Finish Line If there was one simple step that could help make your home sale a seamless process, wouldn't you want to know about it? There’s a lot that happens from the time your house goes under contract to closing day. And a few things still have to go right for the deal to go through. But here’s what a lot of sellers may not know. There's one part of the process where some homeowners are hitting a road bump that’s causing buyers to back out these days. But don’t worry. The majority of these snags are completely avoidable, especially when you understand what’s causing them and how to be proactive. That’s where a great agent (and a little prep) can make all the difference. What’s Causing Some Buyers To Back Out The latest data from Redfin says 15% of pending home sales are falling through . And that’s not wildly higher than the 12% norm from 2017-2019. But it is an increase. That means roughly 1 in 7 deals today don’t make it to the closing table. But, at the same time, 6 out of 7 do. So, the majority of sellers never face this problem – and odds are, you won’t either. But you can help make it even less likely if you know how to get ahead. You might assume the main reason buyers are backing out today is financing. But that’s actually not the case. The most common deal breaker today, by far, is inspection and repair issues (see graph below): Here’s why that’s a sticking point for buyers right now: Buyers are already stretched thin from high prices and challenging mortgage rates, so they don’t have the appetite (or budget) for unexpected repairs. If they’re going to spend all that money, they want to get something that’s move-in ready. They don’t want to take on another high-cost project themselves. They have more homes to choose from, so if yours seems like a hassle or if you’re not willing to fix something, they can just move on. The sellers with the best agents have heard about this shift and they’re doing what they can to go in prepared. Enter the pre-listing inspection. What’s a Pre-Listing Inspection? It’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s a professional home inspection you schedule before your home hits the market. And while it’s not required, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains why it could be a valuable step for some sellers right now: “To keep deals from unraveling . . . it allows a seller the opportunity to address any repairs before the For Sale sign even goes up. It also can help avoid surprises like a costly plumbing problem, a failing roof or an outdated electrical panel that could cause financially stretched buyers to bolt before closing .” Think of it as a way to avoid future headaches. You’ll know what issues could pop up during the buyer’s inspection – and you’ll have time to fix them or decide what to disclose before you put your house on the market. This way, when the buyer’s inspector walks in, you’re ready. No surprises. No last-minute panic. No deal on the line. Is It Worth It? Generally speaking, a pre-listing inspection costs just a few hundred dollars. So, it’s not a big expense. And the information it gives you is invaluable. But before you make that investment, talk to your local agent. In some markets, it may not be worth it. And in others, it may be the best move you can make. It all depends on what’s happening where you are and what’s working for other local sellers. If your agent recommends getting one, they’ll also: Help you decide which issues to fix Prioritize repairs based on what buyers in your area are focusing on Connect you with trusted professionals to get the work done Ensure you understand local disclosure laws That small step could save your deal (and your timeline). Bottom Line So, if there was one simple step that could help make your home sale go according to plan, would you do it? If you’d rather deal with surprises on your terms (not with the clock ticking under contract), let’s talk about whether a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your house. It may be worth it so you can hit the market confident, prepared, and in control.

The 3 Housing Market Questions Coming Up at Every Gathering This Season

By KCM • December 10, 2025

The 3 Housing Market Questions Coming Up at Every Gathering This Season Whether it’s at a family gathering, your company party, or catching up with friends over the holidays, the housing market always finds its way into the conversation. Here are the top three questions on a lot of people’s minds this season, and straightforward answers to help you feel more confident about the market. 1. “Will I even be able to find a home if I want to move?” Yes, more than you could a year or two ago. The number of homes for sale has been rising over the past few years. According to data from Realtor.com, there have been more than one million homes on the market for six straight months, something that hasn’t happened since 2019 (see graph below): That means two things: Buyers have more options. Sellers have more places they can move to next. Many homeowners who held off are realizing the shelves aren’t bare anymore. So, if you hit pause on your home search last year because nothing fit your needs, it may be worth another look. With more homes on the market now, you’re not competing for the same handful of listings like you were a couple of years ago. And because there’s a bit more to choose from, homes aren’t disappearing the minute they hit the market. That gives buyers more space to breathe, more options to compare, and a little more time to make a confident decision. 2. “Will I ever be able to afford a house?” Affordability is starting to improve. Finally. It’s been a tough few years for buyers. But this year brought some much-needed good news: Mortgage rates have been easing. Home price growth has been moderating. That adds up to a monthly mortgage payment that’s hundreds of dollars lower than it would have been just a few months ago (see graph below): Buying still isn’t easy, but the numbers are starting to improve. For a lot of people, that means buying a home is becoming a more realistic goal again. 3. “Should I wait for prices to come down?” A lot of people worry that the housing market is about to crash, but the data doesn’t point in that direction. Yes, the number of homes for sale has been rising, but it’s still nowhere near the level needed for prices to fall significantly on a national scale. On top of that, homeowners today have a lot of equity and are in a much stronger financial position than they were back in 2008. Of course, every local market is a little different. Some areas are still seeing prices climb, while others that saw huge spikes a few years ago are leveling off or seeing small corrections. But overall, the national picture is clear: experts surveyed by Fannie Mae project home prices will keep rising, just at a slower, more normal pace (see graph below): That’s why waiting for a major price drop to get a deal isn’t a very strategic plan. History shows the same thing over and over: people who spend time in the market tend to build the most long-term wealth, not the people who try to time the market perfectly. Bottom Line Talk about the housing market can feel loud and confusing, especially when you’re hearing so many different takes. If you want to understand what these trends mean for your goals, let’s connect and walk through it together.

Thought the Market Passed You By? Think Again.

By KCM • December 9, 2025

Thought the Market Passed You By? Think Again. If you stepped back from your home search over the past few years, you’re not alone – and you’re definitely not out of options. In fact, now might be the ideal time to take another look. With more homes to choose from, prices leveling off in many areas, and mortgage rates easing, today’s market is offering something you haven’t had in a while: options. Experts agree, buyers are in a better spot right now than they’ve been in quite a long time. Here’s what they have to say. Affordability Is Finally Improving Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, says affordability is finally starting to turn the corner: “Slower price growth coupled with a slight drop in mortgage rates will improve affordability and create a window for some buyers to get into the market.” Mortgage rates have eased from their recent highs, price growth has slowed, and that one-two combo is making homes more affordable than they’ve been in months. There Are More Homes on The Market And a big reason prices are easing is because there are more homes on the market. According to the latest from Realtor.com, there are 17% more homes for sale today than there were at this time last year. That means more options, less competition with other buyers, and a chance to find the space that actually works for you. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), shares : “Homebuyers are in the best position in more than five years to find the right home and negotiate for a better price. Current inventory is at its highest since May 2020, during the COVID lockdown.” Take a look at the numbers. As Yun notes, inventory is up everywhere. Compared to this time last year, every region of the country has more homes on the market than at this time last year (see graph below): That translates to more homes to choose from, whether you’re looking for a bigger backyard, a shorter commute, or finally ditching your rental. But not all markets are the same… When you compare current inventory growth to pre-pandemic norms (2017–2019), the picture changes a bit, depending on where you are (see graph below): The green bars show where inventory has fully recovered (and even grown above pre-pandemic levels) in the South and the West. Supply, however, is still tighter in the Northeast and Midwest, as shown in the red bars, where inventory is still below normal. And here’s why that’s still a win everywhere. When you step back and look at the bigger picture, with inventory up in every region, that means more choices everywhere, even if some areas have more homes for sale than others. And with fewer buyers in the market and more homes for sale, sellers are willing to negotiate to get a deal done. All of that adds up to a win for today’s buyers. And it’s also why working with a local expert really makes a difference. What’s happening in your zip code or neighborhood might look different than the national or regional trend. But the overall takeaway is clear: with more homes on the market, buyers have more leverage than they did a year or more ago. So, if you stepped away from your search because things felt too competitive, too pricey, you were worried about finding a home, or it was all just too much to process, this could be your moment to take another look. And if you’re not quite ready to go all in, that’s okay too. You can start by planning ahead. That means working with a trusted agent who can help you break down your budget, narrow your search, and make sure you're prepped and ready when the right home hits the market. Bottom Line Want to know what’s happening in our area? Let’s have a conversation so you can get a custom overview of what’s available right now and learn how to be ready when the timing is right for you. Because this isn’t 2021. This isn’t even 2023 or 2024. This is a new market – and you might be surprised by what you find.