Owning a property is always a good investment. It will benefit the owner for many years. Unfortunately, it can also deteriorate over time. The structure can weaken, and the materials used will become brittle. One cannot entirely avoid the wear and tear of a property.

Factors that can affect the value of your property include paint fading, flimsy windows, and peeling carpets. Not only do these decrease the property’s value, but it can also affect the overall appearance, which will put off some customers.

As a residential rental agent, you and the landlord must always be in the loop for signs of wearing and tearing, then address them. There are ways to minimize or reduce the wear and tear of a property. After this, you’ll be able to identify and implement these ideas so that when you post your listing at Padleads and syndicate it to other websites, you’ll attract more applicants with a well-maintained home.

First, we have to know the difference between the usual wear and tear and what are damages that are not considered as such. The normal wear and tear of property occur gradually due to natural elements such as sunlight, aging, and rain. Any repair made to address normal wear and tear is the landlord’s responsibility. On the other hand, damages often come about due to a tenant’s negligence. The cost of repairs may therefore be deductible from their security deposit.

For example, the color of the floors fades over time and a normal thing to happen. If the flooring has a hole in it because the tenant dropped a heavy object on it, that is damage. Another example is when carpets fade because this can also happen after a few years. However, if there is a burnt part because the tenant smoked inside the unit, that is damage.

The Pet Factor

Some landlords allow pets, while some prefer not to have animals in the property. It is understandable because pets will tend to cause problems with the neighbors regarding the noise and smell. The landlords who do allow them will charge for additional pet deposit or require tenant insurance. If your landlord is considering this, make sure they have prepared the property to be pet-friendly.

How to reduce wear and tear:

Flooring

You have to know the most durable materials to use. These are wood, vinyl, and laminate. They are water-resistant, which will help make them last longer than other materials. You can also use tiles because they are water and scratch-resistant.

Kitchen space

The kitchen can be one of the messiest places inside a property. Sometimes some areas are missed during cleaning, and therefore, dust and odor can settle. You can use splash guards to protect your walls from damages caused by constant exposure to water. You can also use granite or ceramic tiles for your countertops instead of wood. They are heat-resistant and easy to clean.

Wood

It may not be advisable to use as countertops, but you may use wood as material for other things. Not only will it make your property attractive, but using wooden materials can also be an advantage. This material is durable and does not rust.

Plumbing

The building’s plumbing can also deteriorate over time. If not handled properly, it can cause leaks and damage your tenants’ belongings. To prevent this from happening, you should perform regular inspections to check if it is still in good condition or if it needs replacement.

Tenant relationship

You might be wondering why this is on the list. Remember that your tenant will stay in the rental property and not you or the landlord. They are mainly the ones responsible for maintaining the property in its good condition. A tenant who does not care for your property can become reckless and irresponsible. However, if they consider the property as their home, they will be more careful. You should encourage this for them to treat the property with care.

A property’s wear and tear is unavoidable. Eventually, you will notice some of these. Lucky for you because you can now do something to minimize it.