Protect your investment - a well maintained and presented property will consistently offer excellent rental returns as well as preserve it's future value. At lexicon Property Agents, we take all necessary steps to ensure your investment is performing at it's peak. Please find below information on the 3 categories of Property Maintenance, best ways to present your property and our top 3 ways to ensure a positive property experience.​

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Maintenance - We take a proactive & planned approach to managing maintenance and repairs. Maintenance can be broken down into three common categories:-​

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1. Preventative -

​​This maintenance is focused on preserving the physical integrity of the premises. Also done to eliminate corrective maintenance costs. These are regular maintenance activities and routine inspections that as a landlord you would do so you can find out important structural and mechanical problems with your buildings functions so you can prevent costly repairs in the future. It’s always better to fix problems when they’re still small and preventable!​

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2. Corrective -

These are actual repairs that keep the property functioning normally and can sometimes be urgent. They are done to keep the equipment, utilities, and amenities functioning as they should. The type of maintenance you would do that falls under the corrective category includes replacing a broken air conditioning unit, fixing a leaking tap, or replace a non-functioning toilet.

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​3. Cyclic -

​Cyclic maintenance requires work that may need to be carried out toward the end of an item's effective life.​

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Listed below are some examples of the effective life of common items:-

 

•     Painting (internal) - 5 years​
•     Painting (exterior) - varying  ​
•     Hot water system - every 7 years​
•     Oven - 10 years​
•     Bathroom renovation - 10 - 15 years​
•     Kitchen renovation - 10 - 15 years​
•     Replacing floor coverings (incl carpets) 7 - 10 years​
•     ​Clean gutters - check annually or install gutter guards​​
•     Pest Inspections - check annually​
•     Swimming pool - check equipment - annually​
•     Electrical wiring - check every 2 - 3 years
•     ​​For houses - structural checks including safety  of balconies, verandas and roofs - best checked annually

Property Presentation is a very important factor in the type of tenant you attract.

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• Ensure that the lawns and gardens are presented as clean, neat and tidy

• Remove cobwebs and clean any windows, gutters and outside paintwork. These are all things seen from the street, Many good prospective tenants may dismiss the property before getting to the front door.
• ​Repair or replace leaking taps, sticking doors, broken light fittings, loose door handles, rotten floor boards, leaky gutters and torn flyscreens.
• If you are thinking about painting, only paint those areas that really need it unless you plan on doing the entire property. New paint may only make those areas left unpainted look worse in comparison to . Use light, neutral colours as strong colours may sometimes turn off prospective tenants. If paint is generally in good condition, a touch up to small patches can enhance presentation.
• If your property is in a noisy area (such as a main road) inspection times should occur when the noise is at its lowest.
• Allow the flow of fresh air by opening any doors or windows to eliminate any odours that may be present. It may be worth having the carpets and curtains cleaned, neither of which is very expensive.
• Open the curtains and blinds to allow the sun in and take advantage of any views. There are good reasons why the housing market picks up in spring time. Light & bright homes make the rooms feel bigger.
• If your property has a pool, ensure the pool and the surrounds are sparkling clean. You want prospective tenants to think it is an asset, not a burden. If the filter or the pool needs professional repairs, it is better to do it now rather than putting it off. The repairs are usually tax deductible. To ensure regular care and maintenance, consider perhaps including this cost as part of the weekly rental as.
• Ensure that all electrical wiring and power points are safe. This includes any electrical appliances to be included with the property.
• Take out comprehensive insurance cover on the property (including public liability and landlord insurance). ​

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At lexicon Property Agents, we take every step to ensure your investment is performing at it's peak.​

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​When looking for a positive property investment experience we recommend you:- ​

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1. Partner with a Specialist Property Manager, who will maintain a professional and personal approach to you and your tenants.

    One who will also keep you informed of the local property market.

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2. Maintain your investment - Ensure that when all reasonable property maintenance issues arise, that they addressed promptly.

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3. Check current Market Rent - Regularly check that the rent is kept in line with current market returns​