I am the property owner of 14 rental units.
I do our best to keep the apartments in nice shape.
Whenever a renter moves out, I take the option to renovate and substitute. I’ve gradually substituted most of the windows and light fixtures in the building. I’ve painted walls, run new electrical lines and plumbing plus invested in higher efficiency appliances. I’ve bought new stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers and water heaters. I’ve installed smart thermostats, automated door locks and surveillance cameras, but every week, I commit hours to mowing lawns, trimming shrubs, raking plus the necessary yard work. Most of our renters care about our efforts. They pay their rent on time and only call me when there’s a problem they can’t resolve. I don’t mind getting called for leaking water or a malfunctioning air conditioner. I get angry by those renters who are never happy plus constantly have an issue. I sometimes get called because a light bulb needs to be switched or a filter needs to be cleaned. I absolutely had a renter complain to me that her beach house was dirty. I’ve gotten complaints for grass on the walkway after I mowed the grass. There’s been problems because some renters don’t wipe up after their pets. When I mow the grass, I don’t want to run over cat litter. The other renters don’t want to step in it or odor it. I finally had to threaten to raise everybody’s rent if I found any more pet litter in the grass. There are times when I consider turning over the responsibility to a property management supplier. It would cost me ten percent of the rent but might be worth it.