Property management is the ongoing practice of overseeing residential, commercial, or industrial real estate by a third party. The property management team is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the buildings they manage including all repair and maintenance required.
Property managers are typically employed by owners of large properties such as apartment complexes, private home communities, shopping centers, and industrial parks. Their focus is on maintenance to ensure those residing, working, or utilizing the properties are comfortable and safe and that the properties retain their value.
And, when plumbing problems happen at the property you are managing, you need a reliable property management plumber you can call. Check out this article on property managers and plumbing services…
Hiring Plumbing Help
Part of a property management’s job is to make sure the plumbing systems in the buildings they manage are in good working order. Managing many properties with hundreds or even thousands of inhabitants is a big job. Adding miles of plumbing pipes and a multitude of plumbing fixtures and the complexities multiply.
In order to manage their properties they need to employ a dependable plumbing company to assist with any plumbing issues that may arise. A wise property manager will only employ a plumbing company that is widely known and respected. Here are some additional tips for hiring a property management plumber.
The plumber must offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services with a fast response time since time is money when disaster strikes. Especially important to property management is a company that will offer preferential treatment since many plumbing problems risk the health and safety of all tenants and can threaten normal business operations.
A plumbing emergency must be prioritized and addressed immediately as a business runs the risk of having to temporarily shut its doors.
Managers And Their Relationship With Tenants
The relationship a property manager maintains with the plumbing company is key for their success but equally important is their relationships with those they serve. Building personal relationships with each tenant as well as creating a sense of community amongst renters can go a long way. Property managers, after all, rely on the help of their tenants to report plumbing issues so they can be addressed promptly. If everyone is pulling for a building that is well maintained and pleasant to occupy it is a win-win situation to build a good working relationship.
A good manager will help to educate their tenants as to proper plumbing etiquette. They will stress the importance of proper waste disposal to avoid clogged pipes and other plumbing mishaps.
Management will explain the best methods to communicate plumbing problems often suggesting written requests for plumbing repair help. Written communication documents the plumbing issue and time and date stamp it for the record. All plumbing problems should be documented with photos and follow-up pictures taken after the repairs are made as evidence the work requested was satisfactorily completed.
Additionally, they will take the time to review the tenant’s contract to determine the level of responsibility for both parties. Lease agreements vary from state to state and from one management company to another.
The Lease Agreement
Rental properties and the companies hired to manage them vary in the lease terms they offer describing who is responsible for what. Local housing codes must of course be respected but beyond that the terms of the lease can vary. Simply stated, most management companies pay the cost of maintenance and general repairs of all plumbing issues unless the problem originated from a tenant’s neglect or actions they engaged in that are known to cause issues. However, there are exceptions.
Some lease agreements may contain a maintenance deductible. These agreements require tenants to pay a pre-determined percentage of any charges that are related to plumbing maintenance and repair.
Another common agreement is the “repair and deduct” clause. This asks tenants to pay for plumbing repairs that are not their responsibility at the time of service. They can then deduct that amount from their next rent payment.
A good lease agreement will state the amount of time that can pass once a renter has notified management of a non-urgent plumbing concern. The typical time permitted is usually 2 weeks or less. Property managers bear the responsibility of addressing issues promptly.
All lease agreements require tenants to report issues immediately. They cannot ignore or hide issues because the consequences can be enormously costly and destructive. They are asked to turn off the water leading to an involved plumbing fixture or to the entire area if necessary. Even small issues should be reported as soon as they are discovered. On the other hand, true plumbing emergencies report themselves as flooding or a backup of sewage and wastewater gets everyone’s attention.
Common Property Management Plumbing Problems
Many plumbing issues can arise. Dripping faucets or running toilets, especially when multiple fixtures are affected, can create unnecessary water waste and higher-than-normal water bills. Again, education is key. Tenants must be responsible for reporting minor plumbing problems so they can be promptly repaired. A small leak under a sink can quickly turn into a plumbing emergency.
As stated, true plumbing emergencies are hard to miss. A malfunctioning hot water heater or a lack of water altogether cannot be ignored. A burst pipe can waste thousands of gallons of water and raise the water bill substantially. A blockage in the sewer line can create smelly backups with sewage overflowing from sinks and toilets creating unsanitary conditions that may close a business down or ruin a family’s day.
Clogged drains, foul odors, low water pressure, and flooding are great reasons to have a reliable and quick-responding plumbing company working with the management. Without their help, plumbing issues could lead to damaged and weakened infrastructures and mold growth that can affect the integrity of the building and the health of the tenants. It is of the utmost importance that all plumbing issues be noticed, reported, and repaired as quickly as possible.
Looking For Property Management Plumbing Services?
In this article, we have looked at the role of a property manager and the plumbing company they hire in keeping buildings safe and comfortable. We learned having a reliable and quick-to-respond plumber is essential to maintaining the plumbing systems in the buildings they manage.
In addition, the relationships with the tenants are equally important since management relies on them to report issues. Even with the best lease if the tenant does not do their part to report problems the damages can be enormous.
A good management team working in tandem with a top-notch plumbing company can make a huge difference for property owners and the tenants they work hard to protect.
Contact our team of property management plumbing professionals today!
