Maintaining a rental property in San Diego seems like it would be relatively simple given the area’s mellow climate, especially if you’re careful about whom you accept as renters.
However, unforeseen problems can pop up at any time. Minimize the chances of having to deal with extra maintenance costs by being proactive and planning ahead as much as you can.
Don’t Skimp on Pest Control
Like other rental properties, San Diego buildings aren’t immune from pest infestations, even if the tenants keep everything clean. In addition to the usual spiders, roaches, and random beehives and wasps’ nests, you have to deal with termites and ants.
It’s not unusual to find termite swarms buzzing neighborhoods in late summer, and some parts of town are essentially anthills with human housing built on top.
It is much more expensive and time-consuming to have to call in a pest control company to fumigate apartments for full infestations than it is to have the company do monthly exterior spraying.
Also have the pest control company identify cracks and other areas where pests can potentially get in, and have maintenance crews fix those spots. Have qualified termite inspectors look for areas of damage that may indicate that an infestation is underway.
Charge the Right Pet Deposit
If you manage rental properties, San Diego applicants are going to ask if you allow pets. If the owner of the building you manage allows pets, be sure that you charge an adequate amount for a pet deposit.
Pets as a whole don’t usually cause a tremendous amount of damage, but you do have to ensure that what you charge can cover replacing part of the carpet or fixing scratches in doors. It’s tempting to lower the pet deposit to make your rental more competitive, but don’t make it too low.
Monitor Your Water Bills
When managing rental properties San Diego managers have to keep water conservation in mind. You can expect changes to your property’s water bills as tenants come and go, but keep an eye on the balances for any oddly timed increases. These can indicate that a leak has sprung up somewhere. Have maintenance crews or a plumber regularly inspect exterior plumbing, and if there’s nothing there that could cause the increase (and there hasn’t been an increase in rates that could account for the rise), inspect the units for leaky plumbing.
Remember to give adequate written notice to all tenants — in fact, give tenants at least a few days so they can get their apartments cleaned up before workers enter. Also consider the possibility of a slab leak, for which you’ll need to contact a plumber quickly.
Head off Large Power Bills
This isn’t so much a maintenance issue as it is just thinking ahead. It’s always possible the cost of electricity could rise sharply, so replace exterior lighting with LED fixtures when you can.
Given how the power grid in San Diego can become stressed during very hot weather, it’s nice to know that your property is doing its part to reduce its electric power usage.
