Rental properties often have recurring maintenance needs that are bi-monthly, monthly, or seasonal. Some common examples include:
- Landscaping - mowing, trimming, and general upkeep
- Communal cleaning - vacuuming, dusting, and shared space maintenance
- Snow removal - clearing driveways and walkways
Hemlane's repair coordination does not include recurring maintenance services. The reason is that recurring work is difficult to track for quality. It requires the coordinator to check in with both the tenant and the service professional after every visit, and over time both parties tend to become less responsive in confirming whether the work is being done properly.
Recurring Maintenance for Single Family Homes
For single family homes, it is standard practice to include language in the lease making the tenant responsible for recurring maintenance. The benefits of this approach include:
- Following standard practices - It is common for landlords and managers to place recurring maintenance responsibility on the tenant. Overseeing it yourself adds extra administration and cost to your monthly expenses.
- Flexibility for your tenants - Rather than increasing rent to cover these services, tenants can determine their own level of involvement and ensure the work is being done to their satisfaction.
During move-in, it is important to take photos documenting the existing condition of the landscaping and any other recurring maintenance areas. The lease should state that tenants are responsible for maintaining those areas in the same condition as at move-in. If they do not, the security deposit can be used to restore the property to that condition. We also strongly recommend semi-annual or annual check-ins to confirm the condition of the property.
Please note that Hemlane does offer annual maintenance services such as gutter cleaning. However, you are responsible for submitting a new request into the system each year.
Recurring Maintenance for Duplexes and Multi-Family Properties
When more than one lease exists, such as a shared backyard in a duplex or apartment complex, it is the landlord or manager's responsibility to oversee recurring maintenance in communal areas. Here are Hemlane's recommendations:
- For smaller complexes - Find one reliable local company to handle the work. They can invoice you directly and set up automatic billing. Keep an open line of communication with your tenants so they can flag anything that falls below standard.
- For larger complexes - If you have an onsite manager, they should be able to help monitor quality and flag any concerns as they arise.
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