Deferred maintenance is a term that refers to the practice of delaying necessary repairs and maintenance on a property. While this may seem like a cost-saving measure in the short term, it can lead to significant long-term consequences, including decreased property values, increased vacancy rates, and reduced ROI for real estate investors. In this article, we will discuss the importance of addressing deferred maintenance, the impact it can have on a property, and provide a comprehensive list of maintenance items that real property needs, along with a recommended time-frame for each.

The Importance of Addressing Deferred Maintenance

Deferred maintenance can have a significant impact on the value of a property. It can lead to the deterioration of the property and its systems, which can result in higher repair costs and lower property values. Additionally, deferred maintenance can lead to safety hazards, which can put tenants and visitors at risk and leave landlords liable for damages and legal action.

To avoid these issues, it is important for real estate investors to prioritize regular maintenance and repair tasks. This includes addressing small issues before they become major problems, investing in preventative measures, and creating a long-term maintenance plan that addresses both immediate and future needs.

Comprehensive List of Maintenance Items

To help real estate investors prioritize their maintenance tasks, we have compiled a comprehensive list of maintenance items that every property needs. We have also provided a recommended timeframe for each task, based on industry standards and best practices.

HVAC System

The HVAC system is one of the most critical systems in a property. It is responsible for heating and cooling the property, maintaining indoor air quality, and controlling humidity levels. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that the system is working efficiently and effectively. Maintenance tasks include:

• Change air filters every 1-3 months

• Clean duct-work every 5-10 years

• Inspect and clean coils annually

• Service HVAC equipment bi-annually

Plumbing System

The plumbing system is responsible for supplying water to the property and removing waste. It is a complex system that requires regular maintenance to prevent leaks, clogs, and other issues. Maintenance tasks include:

• Inspect and repair leaks immediately

• Flush water heater annually

• Inspect and clean sewer lines every 2-3 years

• Inspect and repair plumbing fixtures as needed

Electrical System

The electrical system is responsible for powering the property and providing lighting. It is a critical system that requires regular maintenance to prevent electrical fires, shorts, and other issues. Maintenance tasks include:

• Inspect and repair electrical wiring as needed

• Upgrade electrical panel as needed

• Inspect and replace lighting fixtures as needed

• Install surge protectors on all major electrical devices

Roof

The roof is one of the most important components of a property. It protects the property from weather damage and provides insulation. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that the roof is in good condition and to prevent leaks and other issues. Maintenance tasks include:

• Inspect and repair leaks immediately

• Clean gutters and downspouts bi-annually

• Inspect and repair roof flashing annually

• Replace roof every 15-20 years

Exterior

The exterior of a property is the first thing that visitors and potential tenants see. It is important to maintain the exterior to prevent damage and ensure that the property looks appealing. Maintenance tasks include:

• Power wash exterior annually

• Inspect and repair exterior paint as needed

• Inspect and repair siding as needed

• Inspect and repair windows and doors as needed

Landscaping

Landscaping is important for both the appearance and functionality of a property. It can also have an impact on property values. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that the landscaping is healthy and attractive. Maintenance tasks include:

• Mow lawn regularly

• Prune trees and shrubs annually

• Fertilize plants and grass as needed

• Install and maintain irrigation system

Flooring

Flooring is one of the most heavily used components of a property. It is important to maintain the flooring to prevent damage and ensure that the property looks appealing. Maintenance tasks include:

• Clean carpets and rugs annually

• Wax and buff hard surface floors annually

• Repair and replace damaged flooring as needed

Fire and Safety Systems

Fire and safety systems are critical components of a property. They are designed to protect the property and its occupants in the event of an emergency. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that the systems are working properly. Maintenance tasks include:

• Test and replace smoke detectors annually

• Test and replace carbon monoxide detectors annually

• Test and maintain fire extinguishers annually

• Test and maintain emergency lighting annually

Parking Lot

The parking lot is an important component of commercial properties. It is important to maintain the parking lot to prevent damage and ensure that the property is accessible. Maintenance tasks include:

• Repaint parking lot stripes annually

• Repair and replace damaged pavement as needed

• Install and maintain parking lot lighting

• Install and maintain parking lot signs and speed bumps

Building Envelope

The building envelope is responsible for keeping the elements outside of the building. It is important to maintain the building envelope to prevent damage and ensure that the property is energy-efficient. Maintenance tasks include:

• Inspect and repair caulking and sealants as needed

• Inspect and repair weatherstripping as needed

• Inspect and repair insulation as needed

Recommended Time-frame for Maintenance Tasks

To ensure that maintenance tasks are performed regularly and consistently, it is important to create a maintenance schedule. The following is a recommended time-frame for each maintenance task:

Task Frequency HVAC System Change air filters 1-3 months Clean duct-work 5-10 years Inspect and clean coils annually Service equipment bi-annually Plumbing System Inspect and repair leaks immediately Flush water heater annually Inspect and clean sewer lines every 2-3 years Inspect and repair plumbing fixtures as needed Electrical System Inspect and repair wiring as needed Upgrade electrical panel as needed Inspect and replace lighting fixtures as needed Install surge protectors on major devices Roof Inspect and repair leaks immediately Clean gutters and downspouts bi-annually Inspect and repair roof flashing annually Replace roof every 15-20 years Exterior Power wash exterior annually Inspect and repair exterior paint as needed Inspect and repair siding as needed Inspect and repair windows and doors as needed Landscaping Mow lawn regularly Prune trees and shrubs annually Fertilize plants and grass as needed Install and maintain irrigation system Flooring Clean carpets and rugs annually Wax and buff hard surface floors annually Repair and replace damaged flooring as needed Fire and Safety Systems Test and replace smoke detectors annually Test and replace carbon monoxide detectors annually Test and maintain fire extinguishers annually Test and maintain emergency lighting annually Parking Lot Repaint parking lot stripes annually Repair and replace damaged pavement as needed Install and maintain parking lot lighting Install and maintain parking lot signs and speed bumps Building Envelope Inspect and repair caulking and sealants as needed Inspect and repair weatherstripping as needed Inspect and repair insulation as needed

Deferred maintenance can have significant long-term consequences for real estate investors. It can lead to decreased property values, increased vacancy rates, and reduced ROI. To avoid these issues, it is important to prioritize regular maintenance and repair tasks. This includes addressing small issues before they become major problems, investing in preventative measures, and creating a long-term