What annual maintenance tasks should Ontario property owners perform?

Proper maintenance of the property is the key to maintaining its value and keeping tenants happy. At Royal York Property Management, we have years of experience in management, overseeing more than 22,000 properties with values over $10.1 billion. Our expertise reinforces that for property owners in Ontario, regular tasks are imperative for property maintenance. With essential annual maintenance, owners can avoid major repair bills, be safe, and increase tenant retention.  In this blog, we outline most of the essential maintenance tasks that every Ontario property owner should execute to keep the property in top condition and maximize the investment.

Exterior Maintenance Tasks

Inspecting Roof and Gutters

One critical area to inspect annually is your roof and gutters. Over some time, the roofs develop leakage or sometimes even sustain other forms of damage due to weather. Look for missing shingles and leaks, and always check the overall condition for wear and tear. Cleaning gutters and downspouts ensure that there is a free flow of water and prevents possible water damage to a home.

Maintaining Landscaping

A well-maintained landscape improves the appeal of a property upon first sight; moreover, it controls water drainage and pest or insect infestations. Regular pruning of trees and shrubs and mowing the lawn also avoid potential problems related to poor drainage around the property, preventing costly repairs later.

Inspecting Foundation and Exterior WallsThe foundation and exterior walls should be checked for cracks, water damage, and other signs of wear annually. Small cracks may become significant issues if not addressed promptly. Regular visits can identify minor issues before they become big and thus save money on extensive repairs later.

Interior Maintenance Tasks

HVAC System Check

Your property's HVAC system should be inspected and serviced at least once a year. Regular maintenance is necessary to prevent breakdowns, ensure efficiency, and prolong life. It comprises replacement of filters, checking for leaks, and verification of whether the system works right.

Plumbing Inspection

Plumbing problems can do a lot of damage when they occur. Yearly inspections should include leak detection, an overview of the water pressure, and an inspection of the water heater for wear or needed replacement. This preventive maintenance will help to catch problems before they become major ones.

Electrical System Review

A good, properly functioning electrical system should be ensured in order to ensure the safety of the building or other members. This includes inspecting all wiring, making sure that the circuits are not overloaded with too much current flow, and changing out outdated components. This will help to avoid electrical fires and other perils that might arise during an inspection.

Seasonal Maintenance Considerations

Winter Preparation

Winters in Ontario can be rough. Preparing a property for winter primarily involves insulating pipes to prevent them from freezing, inspecting and ensuring that heating systems are in good working order, and cleaning pathways and driveways to prevent ice and snow from causing potential accidents.

Spring Cleaning

Spring can be an excellent opportunity to do a little deep cleaning. This typically would include window cleaning, the cleanup of mold that may have spread in any area, and servicing air conditioning units for the upcoming temperatures.

Summer Upkeep

Outdoor spaces should be well-maintained during the summer. This includes checking for damage due to weather, ensuring good ventilation, and maintaining the lawn and gardens.

Fall Readiness

Getting ready for fall means draining and cleaning gutters, inspecting roofs for damage, and having heating systems ready for increased use. These can help prevent issues that could arise with winter.

Safety and Compliance Checks

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Annual testing and replacement of smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries are essential for the safety of the tenants. Detectors will ensure the safety of the tenant's life, and it will also help abide by the law since this is a requirement in many areas.

Fire Extinguisher ChecksThe fire extinguishers must be easily accessible, charged, and not expired. The regular checks would ensure that the equipment is available for duty at the time of emergency.

Legal Compliance

Staying updated with Ontario building codes and safety regulations is essential. This will ensure not only the safety of your tenants but also protect you from legal liabilities.

Benefits of Regular Maintenance

Increased Property Value

Proper maintenance ensures that the real value of the property is maintained, if not increased. Good maintenance thus attracts prospective buyers and provides better returns on investment.

Tenant Satisfaction and Retention

Good maintenance attracts good tenants and keeps them for a longer time, thus bringing down the rate of turnovers. If the tenants are satisfied, they can stay longer, generating a stable income for the owner of a property.

Cost Savings

Planned maintenance will help property owners avoid expensive emergency repairs. It is far less costly and less disruptive to address minor issues before they become major problems.

Controlling and retaining the value of your property and the satisfaction of your tenants demand regular inspection, timely upgrade works, and preventive measures. Royal York Property Management can help you maintain the highest standards in property management. Contact us today for more information about our services and how we can help manage your property efficiently.  For more insights and updates on property management in Ontario, subscribe to our blog.