Optimize your property management maintenance operations

Maintenance is the process of preserving or restoring a property to a desired state or condition. Maintenance is typically done to improve the longevity of a property, reduce repair costs, and/or maintain a desired aesthetic quality. It includes activities such as cleaning, painting, landscaping, and repairs and also includes upkeep within the unit.

Preventative maintenance is the practice of regularly inspecting and servicing a property in order to identify and address potential problems before they become major issues. This type of maintenance can include routine inspections, cleaning, and repairs, as well as implementing new technologies to monitor the property's condition. Preventative maintenance can help reduce the cost of repairs and extend the life of a property.

A maintenance technician is a professional who is responsible for maintaining and repairing a variety of equipment and systems that are used in commercial and residential properties. This includes plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and mechanical systems, as well as equipment used for landscape design, painting, and other tasks. They may also be responsible for preventive maintenance, such as regularly inspecting equipment and systems to ensure their continued functioning.

Deferred maintenance is the practice of delaying repairs or maintenance for a property to save money in the short term. This often results in higher costs in the long term due to worn-out or damaged parts that need to be replaced. Additionally, deferred maintenance can lead to safety hazards and other issues that can affect the value of the property.

Maintenance income is the income generated by a property management business from providing services such as repairs, cleaning, and other maintenance activities to property owners. It can include fees for services such as landscaping, snow removal, and pest control. Maintenance income is usually separate from other income sources, such as rental income or capital gains. For property management businesses, bringing maintenance in-house vs. outsourcing it is a great way to generate additional revenue to increase NOI.

Property maintenance is the process of keeping a property in good condition through regular inspections and repairs. This includes both interior and exterior maintenance, such as painting, landscaping, and pest control, as well as ensuring the safety and security of the property. Property maintenance is a key aspect of property management, as it helps to ensure the property remains in good condition and is attractive to potential renters.

Maintenance management is the process of managing and controlling all of the maintenance activities and tasks associated with a property or business. This includes scheduling and coordinating repairs and inspections, monitoring and tracking maintenance costs, and ensuring that all maintenance activities are performed in a safe and efficient manner.

Scheduled maintenance is the practice of regularly performing maintenance and repairs on a property to ensure that it remains in good condition. It usually involves a predetermined maintenance schedule that details the specific tasks that need to be done, such as checking and replacing filters, inspecting safety systems, and cleaning. Scheduled maintenance helps to prevent major repairs by catching and addressing small issues before they become big problems.

The number of maintenance workers needed per unit generally depends on the size of the property — whether it’s a single-family home or multifamily apartment building — the complexity of the maintenance tasks, and the number of units managed. By leaning on technology, you can effectively scale your operations and manage more units with fewer maintenance technicians.

The amount you should budget for rental property maintenance will depend on a variety of factors, including the size, age, and condition of the property, the number of renters, and the type of maintenance required. Generally speaking, it is recommended that property management businesses budget between 1-3% of the estimated market value of the property for maintenance each year.

Maintenance software is software that helps property management businesses keep track of and manage maintenance tasks for their properties. It typically includes on-demand tools that enable renters to request maintenance repairs digitally and allow maintenance technicians to easily track work orders online from the field.