Roof Maintenance Is Essential for Attracting Good Tenants
When it comes to caring for multifamily buildings or commercial buildings with business tenants, property managers and anyone else in the position of a landlord will have a lot to consider. In particular, upkeep on the property itself is one of the most crucial elements, as the general state of the property will directly impact how attractive it is to renters.
As experts in both residential and commercial roofing, our team at Skyline Contracting is well-versed in the particular demands of multifamily and commercial roof maintenance. We often field questions from clients, such as “Is a landlord responsible for fixing a leaking roof?” and “What approach should I take to roof maintenance?”
To help property owners get the most from their buildings, we’re sharing some key information on proper tenant roof maintenance as well as the responsibility and role of the landlord.
Is a Landlord Responsible for a Leaking Roof?
In the case of rental properties, the person or people spending the most time in the building is not the same as the person who actually owns the property. That being the case, is the landlord or the tenant responsible for fixing issues like a leaking roof?
Generally speaking, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property in circumstances like this. For residential buildings, landlords have an expectation to keep a space “habitable.” This applies to some commercial properties as well, but not universally. However, most leases will dictate that the landlord repair any damage to roofing and other systems.
In some cases, the business tenant or apartment resident may be responsible—such as when their actions directly cause the leak. It’s also worth noting that the lease may specify differently. In most circumstances, however, this will be the landlord’s responsibility to fix.
Roof Repair Tips for Property Managers
Because landlords are typically responsible for roofing work done on their properties, it’s good for them to understand a few general best practices. If a leak occurs on the property, or another roofing issue crops up, here are some key tips for arranging a roof repair or replacement.
- Communicate with the Tenant – Roofing work can be noisy and disruptive. Whether it’s a business tenant or an individual renter, it’s a good idea to give your tenants a heads-up when you know roofing work will be needed.
- Coordinate Schedules – Similarly, it may be a good idea to work with the tenant to schedule roofing work at an ideal time. Is this a busy time of year for a business client? Is your renter planning a vacation soon? While roof repairs should be completed as soon as possible, in some cases there may be an ideal time to schedule that works well for both you and the tenants in your property.
- Work with an Experienced Roofer – Multifamily or commercial roofing projects take careful planning and a lot of experience to execute effectively and efficiently. Roofers with more experience in this type of roofing will be able to optimize their schedules, minimize disruptions, and do higher-quality work than less experienced roofers.
Why Invest in Multifamily or Commercial Roof Maintenance?
Roof maintenance is important for any property, but there are a few unique benefits to ongoing maintenance when it comes to rental properties. In addition to identifying roofing problems early on, you can also improve the landlord/tenant relationship significantly. Some of the reasons to invest in roof maintenance for a rental property include:
- Maintaining a higher property value
- Building trust with your tenants by proactively fixing problems
- Avoiding premature roof replacements and other expenditures
- Attracting higher-quality tenants by ensuring the property is in excellent condition
- Reducing liability by minimizing health risks
- Improving energy efficiency
Have a Rental Property to Maintain? Skyline Contracting Can Take Care of It
As a homeowner, the better you take care of your roof, the better you take care of your home. The same is true of rental properties—only in this case, the better you take care of your roof and your tenants, the less headaches you’ll face over the long term.
Caring for a rental property’s roofing system doesn’t need to be a major headache. When you work with the professionals at Skyline Contracting, we’ll ensure your roof is in excellent condition throughout the year, helping you maximize your investment and avoid unnecessary surprises. Our commercial roof maintenance package includes inspections, photo documentation, repairs, cleaning, and more.
Reach out to our team at Skyline Contracting to enroll today!
