Common Maintenance Requests and How To Prevent Them

Dealing with a maintenance request can be challenging for property managers, but with the right tools and strategies, it becomes more and more manageable. At MRI Software, we develop innovative technology solutions for real estate agencies so they can streamline their processes.

This article delves into how property maintenance software and other methods can revolutionise your approach to these requests. We’ll explore a comprehensive maintenance management strategy that emphasises the importance of preventative maintenance, ensuring your properties remain in top condition.

By integrating technology and proactive measures, you can efficiently address common issues, enhancing tenant satisfaction and streamlining your property management processes.

Most Common Tenant Maintenance Requests

Here are some of the most common tenant maintenance requests that property managers can expect to receive from their tenants.

Water Leaks

Water leaks are a frequent maintenance request for property managers as they can arise from various sources, like ageing plumbing, damaged seals, or from extreme weather events. These leaks often manifest as damp spots, mould, or dripping, which are easily noticed by tenants. Regular maintenance can be challenging due to the hidden nature of plumbing within walls and floors, leading to leaks becoming apparent only when they’ve caused noticeable damage or inconvenience.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are commonly reported to property managers as they are a direct result of daily activities. Things like hair, grease, and food scraps easily build up in pipes, leading to blockages. This issue can be made worse in rental properties due to the various habits of tenants. Since clogged drains can quickly escalate into more significant problems like water back-up or bad odours, tenants are prompt to report them to their property managers.

Heating Issues

Heating issues are a common maintenance request for property managers, especially during the colder months of the year. These problems often stem from older heating systems, lack of regular servicing, or component failures. By the same token, tenants will quickly realise if something has gone wrong with their air conditioning system when it fails to cool the property during the summer months.

Regular maintenance can be overlooked, leading to unexpected and costly breakdowns. Heating systems involve complex mechanics, which require professional intervention for repairs, making it a frequent request to property managers for resolution.

Failed Appliances

Common household appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens are essential for daily living, so when they malfunction, it’s a significant inconvenience for tenants. These failures often occur due to regular wear and tear, or ageing of the appliance. As tenants rely heavily on these appliances, any malfunction prompts immediate reporting to property managers for quick resolution or replacement.

Pests

Pests are a prevalent issue for property managers, arising from factors like unsealed entry points or leftover food attracting unwelcome vermin. Infestations of insects or rodents can escalate rapidly, causing discomfort and health concerns for tenants.

These problems often need professional intervention for effective management. Pests are particularly concerning as they can cause property damage and affect living conditions, leading tenants to report such issues promptly to their property managers for urgent action.

How to Avoid Common Maintenance Requests

Now that you are aware of some of the most common maintenance requests from tenants, let’s look at some of the measures you can put in place to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Planned Preventative Maintenance

Planned preventative maintenance is crucial for property managers to pre-empt common tenant complaints. By scheduling regular checks and upkeep, potential issues like water leaks, appliance failures, or pest infestations can be identified and rectified before they escalate.

This proactive approach reduces emergency repair costs, maintains property value, and enhances tenant satisfaction. Regular maintenance ensures systems and fixtures are in optimal condition, significantly reducing the likelihood of sudden malfunctions or tenant grievances.

Utilise Property Maintenance Software

Utilising property maintenance software empowers property managers to efficiently prevent common tenant complaints. This technology facilitates the tracking and management of maintenance tasks, enabling timely interventions for issues like plumbing leaks or appliance breakdowns.

It allows for scheduling regular inspections and servicing, ensuring potential problems are addressed early. Such software enhances communication with tenants, making reporting issues simpler and response times quicker, thus significantly reducing the occurrence and impact of maintenance-related tenant issues.

Have a Reliable Maintenance Team

Having a reliable maintenance team is key for property managers to effectively address common tenant issues. A skilled team ensures rapid and proficient handling of problems like heating malfunctions, pest infestations, or appliance failures. Their expertise allows for quick diagnostics and efficient repairs, minimising inconvenience to tenants.

Regular property inspections by the team can prevent issues from arising. Their prompt, effective service not only resolves problems swiftly but also fosters tenant satisfaction and trust in property management.

Educate Tenants on Basic Property Upkeep

Educating tenants on basic property upkeep is a strategic approach for property managers to mitigate common maintenance issues. By informing tenants about simple maintenance tasks, such as clearing drain traps or regularly checking for leaks, many small problems can be prevented from escalating.

This education empowers tenants to contribute to the maintenance of their living space, reducing the frequency of issues like clogged drains or minor leaks. Additionally, it fosters a collaborative environment, where tenants and managers work together to maintain the property’s condition.

FAQs About Maintenance Requests