Owning an investment property isn’t just about finding a tenant and collecting the rent – it’s about protecting and maintaining your asset to set yourself up for strong, long-term returns.
But here’s where many landlords slip up: they underestimate the power of proactive maintenance. That tiny leak or loose tile? Ignore it, and you’re looking at a major (and expensive) headache down the track.
A Small Oversight, a Big Expense
Here’s a real-life reality check. A landlord rented out their property, thinking everything was fine—just a bit of silicone around the shower looking a bit worn. No big deal, right? Wrong.
Months later, damp patches started creeping up the hallway wall. By then, the damage was done. Water had been silently seeping in, causing serious structural issues that cost a lot more than it needed to fix.
Instead of being proactive with maintenance, the landlord pointed fingers at the outgoing tenant. But here’s the truth: this wasn’t tenant neglect. It was a classic case of avoidable damage, all because of overlooked upkeep.
A small fix early on could have saved them a lot of money.
Who’s responsible
Tenants have a responsibility to look after the property – keeping it clean, reporting issues as soon as they notice them and avoiding damage. But when it comes to maintenance that stops long-term wear and tear? That’s a landlord responsibility..
In this case, a quick property check and a simple reapplication of silicone could have stopped the water from getting in. Easy fix, minimal cost.
Instead, the landlord was left with a pricey repair bill, a frustrated tenant, and a whole lot of unnecessary stress. A little maintenance now saves a whole lot of trouble later.
The True Cost of Rental Property Neglect
Putting off maintenance might feel like a money-saver, but in reality? It’s a shortcut to bigger bills and potential legal trouble. Here’s why staying on top of property upkeep is a must:
✔ Prevention is always cheaper than repair – A quick reapplication of silicone costs next to nothing. Ignore it? You’re looking at water damage, mould treatment, and wall repairs – easily running into the thousands.
✔ Happy tenants stick around – Tenants paying premium rent expect a well-maintained home. Let things slide, and you risk frustration, higher turnover, and costly vacancy periods.
✔ Legal risks are real – As a landlord, you’re legally responsible for providing a well maintained property for your tenants. A property that is not maintained can lead to complaints from your tenants, stress and even an appearance at the Tenancy Tribunal.
✔ Your property’s value depends on upkeep – A well-maintained home holds or increases its value. Neglect it, and you’ll more than likely attract tenants you don’t want at a lower rent.
Bottom line? A little maintenance now saves a whole lot of stress (and dollars) later
How to Stay Ahead of Maintenance Issues
Want to dodge costly repairs and tenant headaches? A proactive maintenance plan is the way to go. Here’s what we recommend:
🔹 Regular Inspections – Schedule quarterly inspections, pay close attention to high-risk spots like bathrooms, roofs, and plumbing. Catching issues early saves big.
🔹 Preventative Maintenance – Don’t wait for problems to snowball. If silicone is peeling, reseal it before a small leak turns into major water damage.
🔹 Encourage Tenant Reporting – Make it easy for tenants to report maintenance concerns—without worrying they’ll be blamed for pre-existing issues. Open communication keeps problems small.
🔹 Call in the Pros – Get qualified tradespeople to service plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. A quick check-up now prevents major (and expensive) fixes later.
A little upkeep today means fewer repairs, happier tenants, and a stronger investment in the long run
Being a landlord isn’t just about collecting rent; it’s about protecting your investment and keeping tenants happy. Rental property neglect or letting maintenance slide, even something as minor as a peeling silicone seal, can snowball into big repair bills and avoidable stress.
The fix? Stay proactive. Schedule regular property inspections, tackle small issues before they escalate, and invest in preventative maintenance.
A little effort now can save you thousands down the track—and keep your property in good condition which will attract the best tenants and give you a higher sale price when the time comes.
Need help making sure your investment is kept in good shape?
Give us a call on 09 630 2655 and let’s discuss it.
