With Christmas just around the corner and the warmer weather already here, now’s the ideal time to make sure things are in order at your investment property before the Christmas and New Year break.
Here are a few suggestions.
Prepare the pool
With the weather quickly heating up and some time off work to relax, tenants living in a property with a pool will be making good use of it now more than any other time of year.
If you’re responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the pool (as some landlords are, as per their rental agreement) make sure this has been done in time so it’s ready to go for the Christmas break.
You should also check that all safety obligations are being met. This includes everything from correct fencing to adequate signage.
If there is any damage around the pool area you need to fix (loose tiles or a broken shade sail for example), now’s the time to do it if you haven’t already done so.
Be fire smart and check fire alarms
Ensure your investment property is prepared for bush fire season, particularly if it’s in an area prone to fires.
Ensure all smoke alarms are fully functional and that any fire safety equipment – such as a fire extinguisher – is in good working order and in date.
Security alarms and locks
With people heading away on holidays or to visit family at Christmas, home security is vital at this time of year.
You’ll want to make sure that the locks on all windows and doors are working properly, that security screens are intact and any security alarm systems are operational.
General maintenance and repairs
If you’ve been putting off any repairs or regular maintenance, or your tenant has recently asked you to fix something at the property, do it now. It’ll be easier than getting a tradesperson in over Christmas.
This could be anything from fixing insect screens that have holes in them, repairing that faulty oven or mowing the lawn (should that be your responsibility).
It’s fair to say your tenant won’t be happy if they don’t have a working oven to cook their Christmas Day roast in! Avoid having unhappy tenants by getting on top of repairs and maintenance before Christmas.
Air conditioning
The air conditioner is going to be in high demand over the coming weeks. Arrange for cleaning or repairs if needed to make sure the AC is fully operational for the summer.
Check on rental payments
Keep in mind that with several public holidays over Christmas and New Year, the processing of rental payments may be delayed by a day or two in some cases. This is a common time for payments to be delayed, often at no deliberate fault of the tenant. Be aware of this, should you depend on your rental money as soon as it comes in, and make other arrangements if this will delay any of your own payments.
It is also likely that your property manager’s office or agency will be shut down over Christmas or at least on the public holidays, so it’s best to get in with any queries or questions before then.
With the peace of mind that all these jobs have been sorted you can kick back, relax and actually enjoy the break, as can your tenants.