Property Management Tips: The Difference Between Habitability and Cosmetic Maintenance

Are you planning on making improvements to your rental property?

Investing in improvements is a smart thing to do because this will improve the value of your property and earn you more money on a monthly basis.

Before making those repairs though, it’s important to take the time to distinguish between if the repairs that you want to make will contribute to habitability, or if they are cosmetic repairs only.

What Repairs Are Habitability Repairs?

Although you may have grand designs of making certain improvements to your rental property like adding granite countertops or custom flooring, the reality is that these repairs should not be completed prior to addressing any habitability concerns.

‘Habitability’ refers to necessary repairs which ensure your rental property has working plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling. It also must be safe, dry, and pest free. You must legally provide the bare minimum of all habitability requirements in order to collect rent from your tenants.

Some states, like Nevada, have unique requirements intended to address local areas of concern. Nevada in particular requires working A/C during the summer months, while the cooler state of California does not require this.

If your rental doesn’t meet one or more of our habitability criteria, your goal should fix those habitability issues immediately.

Do You Need To Address Cosmetic Repairs Immediately?

When it comes to cosmetic repairs, these are improvements that keep your rental property in good condition but they are not always necessary for your tenant to live there.

Some of the most common cosmetic repairs include granite countertops, high-end flooring, or smart appliances.

Cosmetic repairs may not be legally required (as they don’t affect the tenant’s ability to live there) but could be a good investment if you’re hoping to rent the property for years to come, or if you’re interested in maximizing your rental income.

Knowing which cosmetic repairs will best benefit you takes a trained eye. Consult with a trusted property management company with experience in renovating homes for rent before committing to any upgrades.

Hire A Local Property Management Company

At GoldenWest Management, we specialize in local property management. This means that we know the area’s individual needs well and will find the most qualified tenants for your rental property.

Our property management team will also take care of habitability issues immediately thanks to our 24-7 hotline and in-house maintenance team.

You can also count on us to recommend changes or improvements that you should make to improve the cosmetic look and appeal of your rental property as well.

For more information on property management services that we can offer you, contact us today by calling (866) 545-5303 or click here to connect with us online.