What are the most common maintenance issues reported by tenants in Ontario?

Maintaining rental properties involves addressing a variety of maintenance issues that can arise over time. Royal York Property Management has managed over $10.1 billion in a portfolio and represents over 22,000 properties, arguably making it one of Canada's pre-eminent property management and leasing companies. From our experience, we can say that the best way to offer high levels of tenant satisfaction and preserve property value is to understand and treat common maintenance issues before they get out of hand. Here in this blog discuss some of the more consistent maintenance issues reported by tenants in Ontario and how property owners can effectively manage them.

Plumbing Problems

One of the most common maintenance issues involves plumbing problems. Water damage from leaking taps and pipes or higher utility bills is a common experience for many people.?Another frequent problem in most houses is blocked drains and toilets, which at times require emergency actions to prevent further complications. The plumbing system should regularly be inspected with repairs made as needed. For example, we recommend plumbing inspections to be done bi-annually to detect and fix potential problems before they become big ones.

Electrical Issues

Electrical problems cause much discomfort and safety hazards to the tenants. Typical issues range from frequent loss of power, light fixture issues, to malfunctioning outlets. These disruptions impact living daily but are potential dangers. Property owners should ensure that electrical systems are all up-to-date and adhere to the safety standards; these problems can be reduced by some routine maintenance checks and changing them to modern energy-efficient systems.

Heating and Cooling Challenges

Heating and cooling systems are crucial to comfortable living conditions, especially during extreme weather. For instance, some common complaints by tenants include inconsistent heating during the winter seasons and malfunctioning air conditioning in the summer. Preventive measures through regular servicing would lead to the prevention of unexpected breakdowns and ensure it is running efficiently. We recommend property owners have their HVACs checked each year before the start of every season to avoid inconveniencing tenants.

Pest Infestations

Rodent and insect infestations are serious inconveniences and health hazards. Some of the preventive measures include closing all entry points, regular treatment against pest infestation, and ensuring proper cleanliness of surrounding areas. Property owners should educate tenants on proper waste disposal, hygiene, and other practices that could alleviate infestation. In the case of an infestation, there should be prompt action in dealing with it to prevent further spreading.

Appliance Repairs

Modern living is incomplete without appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines. Still, the same appliances can be a huge problem if they break down. There is a need for their constant maintenance and quick repairs to keep such appliances running. The owner should invest in good quality appliances and prepare a routine check and servicing timeline table.

Structural Concerns

Some common complaints about older properties include wall and ceiling cracks, leakage in the roofs, and damages regarding gutter maintenance. These problems become serious if not addressed promptly. Regular inspections, with prompt repairs, can help retain the structural integrity of the property. For example, before the rainy season begins, checking the roof for damage and cleaning gutters will avoid water damage and costly repairs.

Mold and Mildew Problems

Mold and mildew typically reside in highly humid areas, but they pose severe health risks. The mold will not be eliminated unless the leaks are repaired, and ventilation is enhanced. With regular checking and treating, the living space can be maintained healthy. The property owners should ensure that there is good ventilation, especially in the bathrooms and basements, and the leakages of water are repaired without delay.

Security and Safety Issues

Tenants' security and safety are major concerns of property management. Broken locks, malfunctioning security systems, and insufficient lighting in general in common areas are examples of some common problems. This can be improved through regular upkeep or upgrading the security feature. Property owners should, therefore, ensure periodic security assessments are carried out and improvements implemented to have a safe living environment.

Water Damage

Sources of water damage range from plumbing and roof leaks to natural disasters. Preventative measures would also include regular inspections and timely repairs and proper drainage systems. Property owners need to educate their tenants regarding the recognition and reporting of indications of water damage to prevent further damage and costly repairs.

Seasonal Maintenance Issues

There are certain specific maintenance challenges for each of the different seasons. Winter will bring snow removal and prevent pipes from freezing, while summer can pose the need for HVAC and pest maintenance. It is important that as a property owner, you create a seasonal plan for doing maintenance in advance to ensure that these problems are addressed before their onset. For example, have heating systems checked before winter and set up treatments for pests before summer.

Tenant Communication

Effective communication with tenants is crucial for timely maintenance issue resolution. Property owners must develop clear channels through which maintenance problems may be reported and responded to promptly.?The process involved in maintenance should be transparent and regular, and this will foster a good relationship with the tenants. A tenant portal for online maintenance requests will make communication easy and hence efficient.

Legal and Compliance Issues

Both landlords and tenants are bound by the Residential Tenancies Act of Ontario. Proper understanding concerning tenant rights and landlord duties may avert legal cases and ensure a good living atmosphere. Property owners should stay informed about changes in regulations and ensure compliance with all legal requirements. Regular training and updates for property management staff will help to standardize high levels of compliance.

So many common issues can pop up with regards to the maintenance of rental properties over time. These are problems in homes that can be pinpointed and resolved to keep tenants satisfied, maintain property values and holdings, and ensure a comfortable and safe living atmosphere. At Royal York Property Management, we are committed to providing comprehensive maintenance solutions for property owners across Ontario.

If you're a landlord looking to create better maintenance practices to keep your tenants happy, contact Royal York Property Management today. Be sure to subscribe to our blog for more insightful and informative property management topics pertinent to Ontario owners and investors.