What to Expect when Renting Your Renovated Property for the First Time

You have just completed a stunning, top-to-bottom renovation of your investment property. The paint is fresh, the appliances are shining, and a new tenant just moved in. You might be thinking that because everything is brand new, you won't hear from the tenant for months.

Unfortunately, that is rarely the case.

No matter how meticulous your contractors were, maintenance issues will still pop up during the first few months after a renovation. Watch our video below on what to expect, or read on to learn how to prepare for the inevitable "post-renovation" maintenance requests.

The "First-Use" Break-In Period

When a property is completely vacant during a renovation, the plumbing, appliances, and HVAC systems are not being pushed to their normal limits. Once a tenant moves in and starts running the shower, flushing toilets, and using the dishwasher every single day, the real stress test begins.

Here are the three most common post-renovation maintenance calls we receive at TrustArt Realty:

1. Plumbing Leaks

Even with completely new plumbing, minor leaks are the most frequent issue we see. Sometimes a pipe fitting wasn't tightened perfectly, or a brand-new P-trap under the sink shifts slightly after the first week of heavy use. It is crucial to address these minor leaks immediately before they cause water damage to your brand-new cabinets or flooring.

2. Appliance Malfunctions

You just bought a brand-new stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher, so they should work perfectly, right? Not always. It is surprisingly common for new appliances to have minor manufacturer defects or installation errors. A faulty dishwasher or a fridge that isn't cooling properly is extremely frustrating for a new tenant, so you must be prepared to call in warranty repairs quickly.

3. HVAC and Thermostat Issues

Brand-new heating and cooling systems can be tricky to dial in. In the first few weeks, tenants often report uneven cooling, strange noises coming from the vents, or thermostats that aren't communicating properly with the furnace. Ensuring these systems are calibrated correctly early on will save you from emergency HVAC calls in the middle of winter or summer.

Prepare for the Inevitable

Early maintenance on a newly renovated property isn't a sign of bad contracting—it is simply a normal part of the process. Having a solid, proactive maintenance plan in place is crucial to smoothing out these initial bumps and keeping your new tenants happy.

Tired of handling maintenance calls yourself? Contact TrustArt Realty today and let our expert management team protect your investment and handle the day-to-day operations for you!