Whether you manage one rental or an entire portfolio, you know this: things tend to go wrong at the worst possible time. The heater goes out during the coldest night of the year. A pipe leaks the minute you leave town. Or a tenant calls in a panic because they saw one mouse and are convinced there’s an underground rodent uprising.

The good news? Most of these disasters are avoidable. With a little routine upkeep, you can protect your investment, keep your tenants happy, and avoid a whole lot of insurance claims. Here’s your go-to preventative maintenance for rental properties guide for staying ahead of the maintenance curve:

Schedule bi-annual inspections – one in the spring and one in the fall. Use this time to check for things like water damage, roof leaks, mold, and anything else that might be creeping in quietly behind the walls. Early detection = fewer emergencies.

No tenant wants to sweat through a heatwave or freeze during a cold snap. Annually servicing your heating and cooling systems keeps them running efficiently, prevents breakdowns, and even lowers the risk of fire hazards caused by clogged filters or worn parts.

Clear out gutters and downspouts at least twice a year. Clogged gutters can cause roof leaks, siding issues, and even foundation damage. It’s an easy task that prevents big problems (and bigger bills).

Are these in working order: smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers? Check them regularly, not just when your tenant mentions something smells funny. And here’s a bonus tip: many Landlord insurance policies offer discounts if you can show you are up-to-date on these safety measures.

By the way, whenever you upgrade or replace an HVAC system, install fire extinguishers, or update any major equipment, let your insurance broker or agent know. Newer systems can sometimes mean discounts or lower premiums. Don’t miss out just because they didn’t know you made an improvement.

Look under sinks, around toilets, and near water heaters for signs of leaks. A slow drip today can lead to warped cabinets, mold issues, or even insurance claims down the line. Also, clean faucet aerators to keep water pressure flowing like it should.

Regular seasonal pest treatments are your secret weapon. Even if your tenants don’t report anything, insects and rodents can move in unnoticed. Being proactive means fewer infestations – and happier renters.

Fresh paint and updated fixtures don’t just look good – they help preserve surfaces, protect against wear and tear, and make your property easier to insure. Keep things current to avoid the dreaded “deferred maintenance” label on insurance inspections.

We couldn’t leave this part off the checklist! Maintenance is key, but so is ensuring you are properly covered if something does go wrong. Be sure to have these reviewed and in place:

• ✅ Landlord Insurance – Your standard Homeowners policy doesn’t cover tenant-occupied properties.
• ✅ Earthquake Insurance – Especially important for our fellow Californians. Standard policies exclude quake damage.
• ✅ Flood Insurance – Flooding is not covered by Home, Condo, or Landlord insurance. If your property is in a flood-prone zone, this is a must.
• ✅ Umbrella Insurance – Make sure your Umbrella policy extends to your rental property. If you don’t have one yet – this is your nudge to get Umbrella insurance now.
• ✅ Home Warranty – Think of it as a backup plan for your big-ticket items. A Home Warranty can help cover the cost of repairs or replacements for major systems and appliances – like when the water heater suddenly gives up… on a Sunday… during a long weekend.

Learn more about the five most expensive insurance claims for investment properties, why they are so costly, and what you can do to stay ahead of them.

Preventative maintenance isn’t just about fixing things before they break. It’s about protecting your investment, giving your tenants a safe place to live, and making sure you don’t end up in hot water with unexpected bills or denied claims.
And if you are not sure your current insurance setup covers everything it should – let’s chat. Sometimes, the peace of mind is just a policy update away.