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Maintenance
Checklist
by Robin
Fowler
Your vacation
rental property is a huge investment. And, like any
investment, you want to protect it. Therefore, you will
want to take excellent care of it to ensure that it
holds its value, as well as provides a safe and
comfortable environment for you and your renters.
To keep your vacation rental in tip-top condition, it is
vital that you do a few things to maintain the home. You
can either do it yourself, or hire a professional, but
get it done! Perform the following “bottoms up”
maintenance tasks at least once (twice a year is
better!), and if there is a problem, get it repaired
immediately:
1. Have the hot water heater drained once a year (in the fall), and make
sure all
sediment is removed from the bottom of the tank.
2. Have the heating and cooling systems serviced.
3. If applicable, check the basement for damp or wet floors and walls.
4. Check the exterior paint. If there are cracks or peeling, it’s time
for a touch-up.
Replace cracked or peeling caulk around windows
and doors.
5. Check storm windows for cracks and window screens for rips. Replace if
necessary, or clean them otherwise.
6. Check all faucets and spigots for drips or leaks, and replace the
washers if
needed.
7. Take a look at the refrigerator. Make sure door seals are tight.
Vacuum the
coils every six months (more often if needed).
8. Check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries
if
needed (this should be done every six months
anyway!).
9. Have the cleaning person change the A/C filters monthly, and keep the
dryer
vent cleaned out.
10. Have the fireplace inspected, and have it cleaned professionally once
a year.
11. Keep gutters and drains clean and free of leaves and debris. Check
for cracks
or damage, and make sure all drains are
aimed away from the home.
12. To make sure there is proper attic ventilation in the warm months,
make sure
the vents are open; in the cold months,
close them to keep the heat in.
13. Make sure the roof is free from leaks, especially around chimneys,
vents, and
skylights. Have any missing or damaged
shingles replaced.
You might also want to keep the lawn and landscaping (if
applicable) looking lush and green. Hire a professional
landscaper to keep the lawn mowed, the trees and shrubs
pruned, and everything fertilized. Also, consider
installing an irrigation system with a timer and a rain
sensor.
In general, make sure that you or your cleaning person
(if you can’t be there on a regular basis) always keeps
an eye out for anything out of the ordinary inside and
out. Unexpected things can happen to a home due to
misuse, bad weather, or just general wear and tear. When
you find something, get it repaired as soon as possible!
Taking these small steps to make sure your vacation
rental is in good shape will prevent any major
catastrophes down the line, will save you a lot of money
in the long run, and will guarantee that your property
is safe and comfortable for your rental customers!
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Need
help? Call toll-free 1-800-929-VLBO
