Managing rental properties means keeping tenants safe and happy! Making sure everything is in good working order on the property, day and night becomes your responsibility as a landlord. To do this, you should have a list of service providers on speed dial so you can respond to tenants’ requests efficiently and timeously.
Collecting rent is only one component of being a landlord – it also includes fixing broken pipes, replacing blown light bulbs and controlling pesky pests! While you could do all of these things yourself, using service providers such as a plumber Melbourne landlords use to fix plumbing breakdowns keeps your life simple!
Which service providers should you have on speed dial? Read on to find out!
5 Service Providers Every Melbourne Landlord Should Have on Speed Dial
1. Plumbers
One of the most common complaints landlords face from their tenants is plumbing breakdowns which seem to happen mostly on weekends! The last thing you want to do is spend your free time repairing broken pipes, blocked drains or overflowing toilets. But, it has to be done and the best way to handle this situation is to call a reliable plumber who offers 24/7 service.
Having a professional plumbing company on speed dial allows you to call for a plumber whether it’s an emergency or not. Plumbers are equally important for maintaining your rental properties’ plumbing systems so your tenants are safe and comfortable while reducing the risk of costly and unexpected repairs and problems.
2. Electricians
While tenants shouldn’t be without water they hate not having electricity either! Having a trustworthy electrician on speed dial who provides emergency services means you can handle most electrical issues immediately.
But, there are other benefits to having an electrician as one of your must-have service providers:
- Maintenance and repairs of lighting and wiring systems
- Testing and identifying electrical problems
- Regular inspections of transformers and circuit breakers
Keeping your rental property’s electrical system in good working order reduces the risk of fires, hazardous shocks and damage to appliances. Regular inspections and maintenance minimise costly emergency repairs as well.
3. Pest Control
In general, landlords are responsible for the control of pests such as mice, rats and termites on their rental properties. Providing a clean and habitable home or office building increases your chances of acquiring quality tenants.
Termite invasions can destroy wooden infrastructure, foundations and landscaping before you know it, resulting in costly repairs and replacements. Vermin control is equally important for the health and safety of your tenants.
Other pests that need to be kept under control include:
- Fleas
- Ants
- Cockroaches
- Bees and wasps
- Spiders
Professional pest control protects your property from infestations that could damage your rental space. Pest control treatment should be carried out after tenants vacate the property before new occupants move in.
Having a pest control company on speed dial allows for speedy and safe treatment when you need to solve an infestation problem quickly. This saves any delays that could result in harming your reputation if word gets out about the issue.
4. Gardening Services
While not an absolute requirement, landlords would benefit from providing gardening services particularly if their tenants aren’t interested in maintaining the garden. Gardening services keep your property looking neat and attractive while keeping it alive with regular watering and fertilising. After all, a well-maintained property is more likely to attract good tenants.
Having gardening services on speed dial comes in handy when you face emergencies such as:
- Trees that have blown over during a storm and need to be removed
- Removing branches that could cause problems for your roofing
- Clearing bushes on curbs for better visibility
- Removing garden refuse
Gardening services use their own equipment and team members, so you don’t need to worry about sourcing tools or staff to maintain your rental property’s backyard or garden.
5. Roofers
Hiring the services of a roofing company isn’t something landlords think of until there’s an emergency! Repairing a damaged roof is hazardous work and should only be done by professional roofers who are equipped to do the job. Keeping the name of a reliable roofer on speed dial won’t go amiss especially when it comes to the safety of your tenants.
Roofers can perform regular inspections and carry out repairs timeously. They can ensure the roof is weatherproof and replace broken tiles to prevent leaks that could quickly escalate into bigger problems.
A roofing company provides equipment and tools so you don’t need to worry about keeping a toolkit.
Final Thoughts
A reputable landlord goes out of their way to ensure their tenants are safe and comfortable. Ensuring the house or commercial building is secure and habitable means keeping it in good condition at all times. The best way to do this is to have a list of trustworthy service providers on speed dial.
So, make sure you include plumbing and gas heater service providers on your contact list as well as electricians, pest control experts, and a reliable roofer. This way, you can relax the next time your tenant calls you on a weekend!