Six Property Maintenance Priorities…

Water Damage Checks | Monthly Maintenance | Replace Filters
Arizona, Tempe, Phoenix, Peoria, Apache Junction, AZ

Test All Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Regularly
Whether hard-wired into the electrical system or battery operated, all smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms should be tested regularly. When replacing batteries in smoke alarms, make sure to replace batteries in all units for them to function properly. Malfunctioning smoke carbon monoxide alarms can leave your property open to liability should an event occur.


Exterminate Monthly
Even if a rodent or insect problem is not evident, monthly or bi-monthly pest control measures should be taken. All units should be exterminated regularly. When single units are treated sporadically, all it does is cause the pest to migrate from one unit to another. In order to avoid liability, extermination is best left to the professionals with proper training and licensing.

Pest issues are an easy way to lose valuable tenants which can really hurt you bottom line! Not to mention that small problems can become large ones and it is very costly to remedy complete infestation.


Check for Water Damage and Leaks
Make sure to encourage tenants to report any signs of a water or plumbing leak in their unit. After heavy rainstorms it is a good idea to check for any wet spots on ceilings, walls or around window frames. During the hot humid days during the monsoon, air conditioning units produce lots of condensation and frequently leak around the unit. Make sure to check these areas too. Unwanted moisture causes mold and potential health issues if left unattended.


Examine Shower Caulking and Grout Between Tiles
Ceramic tile is wonderful, but the grout in between and underneath the tiles must be sealed and maintained to prevent moisture from creeping in. Moisture will cause the grout to erode and eventually fail. Tiles can even loosen and/or crack requiring costly repair.


Change the Filters in HVAC Systems
In Arizona, HVAC filters should be changed every month in the summer when the AC is running and every other month during the cooler months. Dirty filters can increase your utility bill by causing the system to work harder or can cause the AC system to freeze-up. A smooth running air conditioning system in Arizona with a lower utility bill means happier tenants and less vacancy.


Flush Water Heaters

In Arizona water heaters should be drained at least once a year. This process will remove the sediment that can build up in your unit from our Arizona hard water supply. If too much sediment builds up, it can reduce the efficiency of your water heater or clog the drain valve. Replacing a water heater is expensive! Unfortunately, this is a messy process and takes some time. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, hire someone who is.


Spending a little time and money to perform regular property maintenance now will save a lot of time and money in the future. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.