Hey Landlord, What’s In Your Toolbox?

Landlords have several responsibilities and play different roles, including taking care of repairs. It might seem easier or more convenient to outsource your maintenance needs however it’s not always economical. Not all repairs need a professional. When taking on minor repairs yourself it’s crucial to have these in your landlord toolbox.

Does Your Toolbox Have These Essential Tools?

• Duct Tape
• Electric Drill 
• Flashlight
• Hammer
• Level
• Measuring Tape
• Pencil
• Pliers
• Screwdrivers
• Utility Knife & Blades
• Wrenches

If your toolbox is with you and has everything above in it, you should be set to make minor repairs or repair holds until the professionals can make it out. Being able to extend the repair time will help avoid emergency maintenance calls, which can be very costly.

Your toolbox is only so big but it can be beneficial to purchase some additional tools to help save you money from outsourcing later. 

Other Great Tools To Have

Paint Supplies

Regardless if you let your renters paint, it’s always best practice to apply a fresh coat of paint between turns. This will give you the power to help keep your rental property looking it’s best and most likely you will be able to ask for more rent if the tenants don’t have to worry about repainting themselves. Pro Tip: your rental property will show better with a fresh coat of paint. 

If you keep painting in house it will save you a ton of money in the long run, this is, if you are a skilled painter. Pro Tip: If you use the same paint color throughout your rental properties you can stock up on paint cans. This way, you yourself, can at least do the touch ups. Having a good paint roller, painters tape, edger, drop cloths and a set of clothes to paint in will most certainly be worth every paint stroke you do yourself. Paint is pricey, finding ways to cut costs in this sector can save you thousands in a short time.

Pressure Washer

Seasonal cleanings are important to help keep your property looking at its best. Pressure washers can be used for so many tasks including, decks, fencing, siding, driveways, etc. Spending the money now will give you the freedom to spring clean at your convenience later. Plus, when you hire a professional to pressure wash it can cost a few hundred dollars for only one of the tasks at hand. If you buy your own pressure washer you can also use it on your own home. Talk about more bang for your buck!

Spare Key, Bolt Cutter & Lock Box

When tenants vacate they often leave the keys in the home which is great they leave them but unfortunately they lock them in the house. This leaves you with a few options, bringing your own spare key or bolt cutters. Hopefully, they did not rekey your rental property, this is when the bolt cutters come in hand (or if you forget your spare key). Once you are in the house you have the option to either re-key your rental home or if you are showing it without being there, a lockbox often is the easiest route for you and your viewers. Pro Tip: Having a few spare lock boxes on hand is always a great idea. 

Additional Landlord Tools

If you are looking for more ways to maximize your efficiency as a landlord, call or contact Chicago Controls Thermostats, Inc today. One of our experts can advise on how you can save big, up to 30% on your rental property energy bills. 

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