If you own rental property, maintenance isn’t just part of the job—it’s one of the most important ways to protect your investment! Small problems that go unnoticed or unaddressed can quickly snowball into major expenses into the thousands. Regular maintenance helps keep your property in great condition, avoids tenant complaints, and preserves the long-term value of the home.

At Delavan PDX Property Management, we manage hundreds of doors across Oregon and Vancouver. We know exactly what to look for throughout the year to make sure properties stay safe, comfortable, and well-maintained. A well-maintained home makes for a happy and communicative tenant. We utilize a broad list of Preferred Vendors so each specialty is covered. Our Contracting Services division can tackle all repair items, annual services, and unit turns to keep your assets in great condition.

Here’s a breakdown of essential maintenance services every rental should have to maintain the property and to improve the value over time by time of year. 

Spring/Summer Maintenance

1. Gutter Cleaning
   All that Pacific Northwest rain means your gutters need love. Cleaning them out in the spring keeps water flowing away from the roof and foundation, reducing the risk of leaks and structural damage.
2. Roof Inspection
   After winter, check for loose shingles, moss buildup, or early signs of water damage. A simple inspection now can prevent expensive repairs later.
3. Pressure Washing
   Driveways, siding, and patios can look brand new after a pressure wash. It also removes slippery moss and mildew that can pose safety hazards and open you up to liability. 
4. Check for Pests
   Look for signs of ants, wasps, rodents, or other critters. Seal up entry points and treat problem areas early. Pest issues that go unchecked often result in frustrated tenants and costly extermination later. Year-round pest service will keep your property and your tenants happy. 
5. AC Service
   Each AC needs a tune-up before Summer hits. This keeps it running efficiently and extends its lifespan—plus, tenants will thank you when it’s 90 degrees outside.
6. Summerization
   Remove all insulation covers, reattach hoses, and ensure that air flow is occurring in your crawlspace.

Fall/Winter Maintenance

1. Filter Change
   Make sure the filter is clean and the furnace is ready for winter. Tenants are responsible for this themselves, but we always check to ensure that they are remaining compliant with their lease terms. 
2. Furnace Service
   No one likes those cold winter days – especially without a functioning heat source! Let’s get it serviced before the snow. 
   Winterization
   Insulate your outdoor spigots, cover crawlspace vents, and make sure windows and doors are properly sealed. This helps prevent frozen pipes (that may burst and cause thousands of damages!) and drafty units.
3. Tree & Branch Trimming
   Fall storms + overgrown limbs = roof damage waiting to happen. Trim trees away from the roofline and power lines to keep things safe.
4. Dryer Vent & Duct Cleaning
   Built-up lint in dryer vents is one of the most common causes of house fires. Annual clean-outs reduce the risk and improve energy efficiency. Duct cleaning does not need to happen yearly, but is a wonderful service after construction takes place or during a Turnover to decrease allergens for the next round of tenants. 
5. Gutter Cleaning
   Winter gutter cleaning is a must in the Pacific Northwest. Get those gutters and downspouts cleared so water does not pool on your roof or damage your siding. 

How We Make It Easy for Owners

At Delavan, we take a proactive approach as your professional property management company. Our system includes:

• • Automated reminders for seasonal maintenance and an extensive list of Annual Services with competitive rates

• • A trusted network of licensed and Preferred Vendors who do the job right and quickly

• • A Work Order Specialist who coordinates every step and communicates with Owners and Tenants alike to provide the best customer service

By handling this checklist annually, we help our Owners prevent emergencies, extend the life of major systems, and protect their investment.

Want to Stop Stressing About Maintenance?

We’ve got you. Our team handles seasonal upkeep, urgent repairs, and everything in between. Whether it’s a single-family home or a multi-unit portfolio, we make sure your rental is maintained with care and professionalism year-round. 

Reach out today and ask about our ANNUAL SERVICES PLAN via our Contracting Services division!

Additional services offered are TenantEase© Repair Plans, Handyman Repairs, and Unit Update Packages.

Ready to make property ownership a little easier? Reach out today and ask about our ANNUAL SERVICES PLAN via our Contracting Services division!

Explore More in Our Maintenance Advantage Series:

How Smart Repairs, Tenant Responsibility & Strategic Updates Maximize Rental Income

• Annual Maintenance Services Every Rental Needs

• “Who Fixes What?”: Understanding Tenant vs. Landlord Repair Responsibilities

• What Tenants Must Do to Keep Their Home in Good Shape

• The Hidden Dangers of Delaying Affordable Maintenance (and How We Prevent Costly Repairs)

• Beyond Repairs: Adjacent Services You Didn’t Know Property Managers Handle

• Turnover Tips: How to Refresh a Rental Without Overspending

   

Explore More in Our Unraveling Series:

What Do Property Management Companies Do?

• The Daily Grind: Tasks That Make Property Managers Superheroes (Without Capes)

• Tenant Relations: The Art of Keeping Tenants Happy (or at least not calling you at 2 AM)

• Bills and Balances: How Property Management Companies Handle Money Like Pros

• The Legal Jargon: Staying Out of Trouble with Laws and Regulations

• The Marketing Magic: How We Fill Vacancies Faster than You Can Say “Rent”