The mayor of Albuquerque, New Mexico recently signed a resolution cracking down on landlords who ignore tenant maintenance complaints, as reported by KRQE. Property maintenance and repairs can be daunting for rental owners. Are you responsible for the costs or is the company that handles your rental property management?
Keep reading to learn more about your rental repair responsibilities and how full-service property management can help.
Landlord Repair Obligations in Albuquerque
New Mexico law requires landlords to keep rental properties in a safe and habitable condition. This includes:
- Complying with housing codes
- Keeping units and common areas in a safe condition
- Maintaining appliances and systems like heating, electrical, and plumbing
If a tenant requests maintenance, you must respond within seven days to their request. Otherwise, the tenant can withhold part of their rent or end the rental agreement. This condition only applies to repairs that affect health and safety, though.
Understanding Rental Property Management Responsibilities
In a thriving rental market like Albuquerque, property managers play a crucial role in maintaining the value of your investment. Generally, property managers agree to take on several key responsibilities that can alleviate stress for rental owners:
- Inspecting the property regularly to identify maintenance needs
- Handling tenant requests and complaints
- Coordinating repairs and maintenance with contractors
- Collecting rent and handling financial reporting
Full-service property management typically includes repairs, but understanding how repairs fit into your contract is essential. Depending on your property management agreement, the coverage of repair costs can vary significantly.
Do Property Managers Pay for Repairs?
Typically, property managers do not pay for repairs out-of-pocket. Instead, they act as an intermediary between the rental owner and service providers. They will coordinate repairs with the contractors, ensure quality standards, and submit invoices for your approval before proceeding.
If your property management contract includes a repair allowance or maintenance budget, minor repairs may be covered directly by the property manager. It's worth reviewing your contract thoroughly to understand the specific terms.
Types of Repairs Covered
When considering repairs, it's important to distinguish between urgent issues and more routine maintenance tasks. Understanding these distinctions can help you navigate your relationship with your property manager and ensure clarity regarding repair responsibilities.
Emergency Repairs
Emergency repairs impact tenant safety or habitability, such as plumbing leaks or electrical failures. These are the highest priority.
Routine Maintenance
Your property manager will schedule regular upkeep of your rentals. These tasks include landscaping, pest control, and HVAC servicing. A proactive maintenance schedule can help you avoid more expensive emergency repairs.
Simplify Your Albuquerque Property Maintenance
Investing in full-service rental property management can provide peace of mind and potentially increase your rental income. Understanding what property managers cover in terms of repairs is crucial for rental owners looking to maximize their investment.
The right property management company can simplify your rental repair responsibilities. As an experienced local provider in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area, PMI 4U is ready to partner with you. We take the time to understand your unique maintenance challenges and develop a customized solution.
Reach out to PMI 4U to discover how we can help streamline your property maintenance and optimize your rental investments. Learn more about our personalized property management solutions today!
