Here’s a story that might just save you a tonne of money and a whole lot of headaches.
A Tale of Neglect: The Central Auckland Villa
Picture this: We recently took over managing a rental property in Central Auckland — a classic villa that should have been a real gem.
But here’s the problem: it hadn’t seen a bit of maintenance in years. The property was in a state:
– Paint peeling off the outside, making it look really unappealing
– Rotten windowsills that were practically falling apart
– Mould on the ceilings—a huge red flag, especially with all the bad press about how unhealthy mould is
– Inside walls full of scuffs and marks, making the home feel more run-down than it should be
– And the gardens? Completely overgrown, not exactly giving the “welcome home” feel you want
Now, the landlord is facing a hefty bill to get the property back to a rentable standard.
And here’s what really hurts for the owner: while those repairs are happening, the property is sitting vacant. No tenants, no rent. Ouch!
So, Why Does This Matter?
Keeping up with regular maintenance isn’t just about avoiding those big, scary repair bills down the track (though that’s a huge part of it). It’s about maintaining the appeal of your property. Neglecting your rental property costs you in many ways.
But here’s some good news:
A well-looked-after home will:
1. Attract better tenants: the kind who respect your property and treat it like their own. They’re out there, and they’re looking for homes that are well maintained and cared for.
2. Command higher rent: Tenants are willing to pay for quality. A well-maintained property can justify a higher price tag.
3. Stay rented: Empty properties are money pits. No one wants to live in a rundown place, and the longer it sits empty, the more money you’re losing.
This Auckland villa? If the maintenance had been done regularly, the landlord wouldn’t be staring down the barrel of a big repair bill and weeks of lost rent. That’s a tough lesson to learn!
The Bottom Line
Maintenance is one of those tasks that’s easy to put off. “I’ll get to it next month,” you might think. But if you’re serious about maximising your investment (and I’m guessing you are, since you’re reading this), it should be at the top of your to-do list.
Regular check-ups and timely repairs might seem like a hassle now, but trust me, they’re nothing compared to the headache of major renovations and lost rental income as a result of neglecting your rental property.
Time for Action
So, here’s my challenge to you: take a good look at your investment property. Does it need a little TLC? Maybe it’s time for a fresh coat of paint, or perhaps those gutters need cleaning. Whatever it is, get it sorted before a small issue turns into a bigger problem.
Got a property in need of some love? Or just want some advice on setting up a maintenance schedule? We’re here to help. Let’s chat and make sure your investment is working as hard as you do.
Give us a call on 09 630 2655 and let’s chat about looking after your property investment.
