As a property manager, you are tasked with overseeing a wide range of properties and ensuring that everything runs smoothly for tenants and residents. To do this effectively, you must be prepared to handle a variety of service calls. From plumbing issues to pest control and everything in between, it's important to be knowledgeable and prepared to handle each situation. In this blog post, we'll go over the top 20 most common service calls for property managers and provide tips on how to handle each one.
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Plumbing issues, such as leaks and clogged drains, are among the most common service calls property managers receive (AppFolio, 2018). It's essential to address these issues promptly to prevent water damage and maintain tenant satisfaction. In most cases, a professional plumber should be contacted to handle repairs.
Source: AppFolio (2018). 5 Most Common Maintenance Requests from Tenants. Retrieved from https://www.appfolio.com/blog/5-most-common-maintenance-requests-from-tenants/
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HVAC problems, including malfunctioning heaters or air conditioners, are another common service call. Regular maintenance and servicing by a professional HVAC technician can help prevent these issues and ensure your systems are operating efficiently (Buildium, 2019).
Source: Buildium (2019). Top 10 Property Management Maintenance Issues. Retrieved from https://www.buildium.com/blog/top-10-property-management-maintenance-issues/
- Electrical Issues: Tenants may report issues with lights, switches, or electrical outlets, which can be a headache for property managers. To handle these issues, it's important to have a licensed electrician on hand and educate tenants on proper electrical usage, such as avoiding overloading outlets.
- Maintenance Issues: Requests for general maintenance such as painting, carpentry, or appliance repair are common for property managers. To handle these issues, it's important to have a maintenance team or trusted contractors on hand and perform regular maintenance checks to reduce the frequency of these service calls.
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Pest infestations, such as rodents, ants, or bed bugs, are a common concern for property managers. Regular pest control services and proper sanitation practices can help prevent infestations and keep your property pest-free (Rentec Direct, 2019).
Source: Rentec Direct (2019). Top 5 Maintenance Responsibilities for Property Managers. Retrieved from https://www.rentecdirect.com/blog/maintenance-responsibilities/
- Parking Issues: Problems with parking spaces or parking lots can be a common issue for property managers. To handle these issues, it's important to have clear parking policies in place and enforce them consistently to prevent any confusion or disputes.
- Security Concerns: Tenants may raise concerns about the security of their building or apartment. To handle these issues, it's important to have a reliable security service on hand and implement proper security measures such as installing surveillance cameras, secure locks, and having proper lighting in common areas.
- Trash and Recycling: Issues with trash removal or recycling can be a common service call for property managers. To handle these issues, it's important to have a clear plan in place for trash and recycling removal and educate tenants on proper usage and disposal.
- Landscaping Issues: Tenants may report issues with the landscaping or outdoor areas of a property. To handle these issues, it's important to have a reliable landscaping service on hand and perform regular maintenance checks to ensure that all outdoor areas are properly maintained.
- Elevator Maintenance: Elevator maintenance is a crucial aspect of managing a multi-story building. To handle these issues, it's important to have a trusted elevator maintenance service on hand and perform regular maintenance checks to ensure that elevators are functioning properly.
- Roof Repair: Tenants may report issues with the roof, such as leaks or damaged shingles. To handle these issues, it's important to have a reliable roofing contractor on hand and perform regular maintenance checks to reduce the frequency of these service calls.
- Pool Maintenance: Pool maintenance is an important aspect of managing properties with swimming pools. To handle these issues, it's important to have a trusted pool maintenance service on hand and perform regular maintenance checks to ensure that pools are properly maintained and safe for use.
- Fire Safety: Fire safety is a crucial aspect of managing any property. To handle these issues, it's important to have proper fire safety measures in place, such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and fire alarms, and educate tenants on fire safety practices.
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Tenant lockouts are a frequent service call for property managers. Implementing a keyless entry system or providing tenants with a lockbox for spare keys can help reduce the frequency of lockouts (PointCentral, 2020).
Source: PointCentral (2020). 5 Property Management Lockout Solutions. Retrieved from https://www.pointcentral.com/5-property-management-lockout-solutions/
- Move-In/Move-Out Issues: Property managers may receive service calls regarding move-in or move-out issues, such as cleaning or repair needs. To handle these issues, it's important to have a clear process in place for move-in and move-out procedures and educate tenants on what to expect during this time.
- Water Damage: Water damage can occur from a variety of sources, such as leaks or overflowing sinks. To handle these issues, it's important to have a reliable water damage repair service on hand and educate tenants on proper water usage to prevent damage from occurring.
- Appliance Repair: Tenants may report issues with appliances, such as broken refrigerators or dishwashers. To handle these issues, it's important to have a reliable appliance repair service on hand and educate tenants on proper appliance usage to prevent damage from occurring.
- Laundry Room Issues: Laundry room issues, such as broken machines or supply shortages, can be a common service call for property managers. To handle these issues, it's important to have a reliable laundry room maintenance service on hand and educate tenants on proper usage of laundry room facilities.
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Noise complaints between tenants are a common issue property managers must address. Enforcing clear noise policies, installing soundproofing materials, and mediating disputes can help maintain a peaceful living environment (Landlordology, 2017).
Source: Landlordology (2017). How to Handle Noise Complaints from Neighbors. Retrieved from https://www.landlordology.com/handle-noise-complaints-neighbors/
- Building Access Issues: Tenants may report issues with building access, such as broken key cards