As a property management agency, one of our top priorities is ensuring the properties we manage are well-maintained, secure, and comfortable for tenants while protecting landlords' investments. Proactive maintenance not only leads to higher tenant satisfaction and reduced vacancy but also saves landlords from costly repairs down the line. With a renewed focus from NSW Fair Trading on outstanding maintenance and repairs in rental properties for 2025, landlords need to be more diligent than ever. Here's our expert advice for maintaining your property to prevent issues, meet legal requirements, and keep tenants happy.
1. Address Maintenance Requests Promptly
Tenants expect timely responses to their maintenance requests, which can range from small fixes to urgent repairs. Quick responses not only improve tenant satisfaction but also prevent issues from worsening. Property management agencies like ours prioritise emergency repairs to ensure the safety and comfort of tenants while scheduling non-emergency requests as soon as possible.
Some property issues, such as plumbing leaks or electrical hazards, require immediate attention to avoid further damage or safety risks. For other issues, we assess the severity and work with tenants to establish a repair timeline. By addressing issues promptly, we keep tenants satisfied and prevent small repairs from escalating into costly repairs. In 2025, NSW Fair Trading is placing additional scrutiny on delayed maintenance in rentals, making it all the more crucial to stay on top of maintenance requests.
2. Schedule Regular Property Inspections
Routine inspections are an essential practice for effective property management. Not only do they help us spot potential problems before they escalate, but they also give landlords an opportunity to check in on the overall condition of the property. Our property managers conduct several inspections throughout the tenancy, beyond the required start and end-of-lease inspection reports.
During these inspections, our team:
- Inspects the property's general condition – We look for signs of wear and tear, potential structural issues, and tenant-reported concerns.
- Performs routine maintenance – Simple tasks like changing smoke detector batteries and ensuring water and blind compliance can make a big difference in property upkeep and safety, whilst maintaining legislative requirements.
- Checks for unreported repairs – Sometimes tenants may not notice or report minor issues. Regular inspections allow us to catch these early on.
Having a checklist in hand during inspections ensures we cover every detail. We also take photos or videos to document the property's condition for records, making it easier to track changes and improvements over time.
3. Develop a Routine Maintenance Plan
Routine maintenance helps keep properties in top condition while controlling costs. A well-organised maintenance plan schedules regular check-ups and seasonal tasks, preventing minor issues from becoming significant, costly repairs. Here are some examples of tasks included in a typical maintenance plan:
Seasonal exterior work – Including gutter cleaning, trimming branches near the property, and clearing drainage systems.
Annual checks – Ensuring smoke detectors, and safety systems are all compliant with NSW regulations.
By proactively addressing maintenance, we help landlords minimise unexpected costs. Regular, small-scale maintenance is more cost-effective than emergency repairs. Also, with Fair Trading's increased focus on outstanding maintenance and repairs, staying proactive with routine maintenance can help landlords avoid regulatory issues down the track.
4. Carefully Track Maintenance Expenses
Tracking maintenance expenses is essential for both budget management and transparency. As a property management agency, we ensure that all repair and maintenance costs are well-documented, with itemised reports provided to landlords. This allows for complete transparency, helping landlords see exactly where their funds are allocated.
For larger repairs, we obtain multiple quotes from different contractors to ensure competitive pricing. Before initiating significant repairs, we seek approval from landlords, ensuring they're aware of the costs involved. This careful approach to tracking and managing expenses helps keep maintenance costs under control while preserving the property's long-term value.
5. Respond to Fair Trading's New Compliance Standards for Maintenance
Starting in 2025, NSW Fair Trading will be intensifying its focus on compliance with maintenance and repair standards in rental properties. With an increased emphasis on enforcing timely maintenance, it's critical for landlords to address outstanding repairs and remain proactive in property upkeep. Non-compliance could lead to penalties and tenant complaints, so ensuring that all necessary repairs are handled promptly is crucial.
Our agency takes these new regulations seriously, and we've established a streamlined system to ensure that every property we manage meets Fair Trading's standards. By keeping a comprehensive record of maintenance and repairs, we can help landlords remain compliant while protecting their investment and meeting their obligations under NSW law.
6. Keep Open Communication with Tenants
Good communication with tenants is the foundation of effective property management. Our team keeps tenants informed about upcoming inspections, scheduled maintenance, and any necessary repairs, reducing misunderstandings and potential complaints.
Tenants are more likely to report maintenance issues when they feel heard and supported. This open line of communication also allows us to address problems early on, reducing the risk of unexpected repairs. Our agency's approach involves keeping tenants and landlords informed at every stage, from the initial maintenance request to the completion of the work, which improves trust and satisfaction.
7. Partner with Reliable Maintenance Providers
Reliable and certified contractors are essential for high-quality property maintenance. Over time, we've built strong relationships with local contractors who understand our expectations and offer consistent, dependable service. Working with trusted tradespeople helps us ensure that repairs are done professionally and on schedule, reducing the likelihood of recurring issues and maximizing the longevity of each repair.
When selecting contractors for any property work, we always prioritize quality and fair pricing. For complex repairs, our team may recommend multiple quotes so landlords can choose the best option. This partnership approach means landlords can feel confident that their properties are maintained to high standards.
By following these property maintenance tips, landlords can ensure their investments remain profitable and meet the latest standards set by NSW Fair Trading. As your property management partner, we're committed to keeping properties in top condition, meeting regulatory requirements, and providing tenants with a comfortable, safe environment.
Looking to ensure your property is properly maintained? Contact us for professional property management services that cover every aspect of maintenance and compliance.
Contact Information:
EMAIL | hello@c21newcastle.com.au
PHONE | 02 4943 6333
155 Pacific Highway
Charlestown NSW 2290