February 13, 2025
As a landlord, managing property maintenance requests efficiently is crucial for keeping tenants happy and protecting the long-term value of your investment. However, handling repairs, scheduling contractors, and ensuring compliance with legal obligations can be time-consuming and stressful.
That’s why many landlords choose to work with a professional lettings agent like Jacobs Steel, who can take care of maintenance requests on their behalf – saving time, money, and hassle. Find out more about how a lettings agent can help you manage your rental property.
In this guide, our Lettings team share their top tips on how landlords can manage property maintenance requests.
1. Establish clear communication channels
Ensure tenants have a straightforward method to report maintenance issues, such as a dedicated email address or phone number. A structured system ensures requests are promptly addressed, preventing minor issues from escalating into costly repairs.
We have a fully staffed Lettings Team at Jacobs Steel that are available six days a week. We can arrange repairs quickly without the landlord needing to deal with any hassle.
2. Prioritise maintenance requests
Assess the urgency of each maintenance request to determine the appropriate response time. Emergency issues, like significant leaks or heating failures, require immediate attention, while minor concerns can be scheduled accordingly.
Our Lettings Team ensure that all maintenance issues are prioritised and addressed efficiently, keeping tenants happy and properties well-maintained while giving landlords peace of mind.
3. Develop a reliable network of contractors
Building relationships with trusted tradespeople ensures that repairs are conducted efficiently and at fair prices. However, sourcing reliable contractors and managing their schedules can be challenging, especially with multiple properties.
At Jacobs Steel, we have a dedicated team of maintenance contractors that we trust, including an electrician, plumbing and heating engineer, locksmith, and general maintenance expert. This ensures that all maintenance issues are resolved swiftly and to the highest standard.
4. Maintain a contingency fund
Unexpected repairs are inevitable. Setting aside funds for urgent issues prevents financial strain and ensures timely repairs without delays.
5. Stay compliant with legal responsibilities
Landlords must adhere to safety standards, including gas safety checks, electrical inspections, and energy performance requirements. Keeping up with these obligations can be complex, but non-compliance can lead to fines or legal disputes.
At Jacobs Steel, we’re here to support our landlords and help navigate the government regulations. We have in-depth knowledge of property laws and regulations, helping landlords stay compliant.
6. Consider partnering with a lettings agent like jacobs steel
Managing maintenance requests can be overwhelming. A professional lettings agent like Jacobs Steel can handle various aspects on your behalf, including:
- Logging maintenance requests
- Arranging repairs
- Ensuring compliance with legal requirements
By outsourcing maintenance management, landlords can save time, avoid dealing with emergency calls, and reduce stress by having professionals manage repairs and tenant expectations.
Jacobs Steel offers multiple levels of management to suit all landlords, including services like rent collection, property inspections, and comprehensive property management.
While handling property maintenance requests independently is possible, it can be demanding. Partnering with a trusted lettings agent like Jacobs Steel can streamline property management, keep tenants satisfied, and protect your investment with minimal hassle.