Putting off general maintenance in your rental home is a huge mistake, and it’s an error that a lot of new landlords make because they want to save money. When you don’t pay attention to preventative maintenance, you’re actually going to end up spending a lot more. Small problems become big problems very quickly, the price tags can double and triple the longer you wait to make a repair.
Regular Inspections
A Grand Rapids property manager should conduct regular inspections of your home to make sure there isn’t any preventative maintenance needed. This will include checking all the home’s systems and appliances, looking at the roof for signs of wear and damage and making sure there aren’t any leaks under the sinks or in the tubs. If problems are discovered, take care of them right away. The tenants will appreciate your attention to these issues and your home will not deteriorate and lose value.
Professional Servicing
In addition to regular inspections, you need to have some of the things in your property serviced on a regular basis. The heating and cooling unit, for example, needs to be checked by a licensed contractor every few years. Your gutters should be cleaned out semi-annually as well and there are seasonal things that will need to be done every winter and summer. You don’t want to skimp on these service appointments. It’s a good opportunity to know that your house is in great shape, and if there’s something that needs attention, you can resolve the issue before it grows into a disaster.
Habitable Conditions
It’s important that your rental property complies with all city codes and is considered habitable for your tenants. Attention to preventative maintenance will ensure that it is. Be sure to do a thorough inspection between tenants and if your tenant calls with a repair request, evaluate whether it’s an emergency or something that can be scheduled, and get a vendor out there as soon as possible.
Preventative maintenance will preserve the life and value of your investment property. If you have any questions about how to stay on top of maintenance and repairs, please contact us at United Properties of West Michigan.
Sergio joined United Properties in 2020. He is a graduate from Pickens Technical College as a Nurse Assistant and as a Small Animal Care Provider in 2010. In the past nine years, Sergio has had various jobs, all focused around customer service.
Eden joined United Properties in 2016. Eden graduated from Davenport University in 2015 with an Associate’s in Business Administration. She’s the Executive Assistant to the Owner of United Properties, with a focus on procedural documentation. She enjoys playing guitar, reading, and doing outdoor activities. Eden is trilingual and able to communicate in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language. 
David joined the United Properties team in 2019 as the Director of Client Relations and Business Development. In this capacity, he is responsible for leading all leasing, application underwriting, tenant relations, accounts receivable, process improvement, remote workers, and general office functionality (essentially anything outside of maintenance and service). David comes from a longstanding career at a Fortune 15 company primarily in a sales and customer service leadership role.
Tim VandenToorn serves as Managing Partner of United Properties of West Michigan, working closely with our owners and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company. Tim also started United Realty, which serves as a brokerage for United Properties and assists investors with the acquisition of investment properties.
Matthew joined the United Properties in early 2020. He is a graduate of Lee University with a bachelor’s in Intercultural Studies and also a master’s in Discipleship and Christian Formation. Matthew serves as a project manager over the Rent Ready process. He has 20 years of construction experience and over 10 years of experience in leadership positions. He oversees a team of technicians and schedules outside vendors getting properties back to the United rent-ready standard so that they can be leased again.
Carla joined United Properties in late 2019 as a billing specialist. Carla ensures invoices are received from contractors and bills them out in a timely fashion.
Cristina joined United Properties as the billing assistant in October of 2020. She has experience as a technology professional, an English-Spanish translator, and has worked the past several years as the treasurer of her condominium.
Rick is one of the newest members of our team. He has an extensive background in customer service. He and his wife are raising their 4-year-old son. Rick loves beef jerky so much he makes his own.
Harriet joined United Properties as a billing assistant in February of 2021. She has experience as a bookkeeper and a Property Manager for a Real Estate account. She was a working student during her college days. Harriet loves cleaning because she thinks it is therapeutic. She also loves watching series during her free time, and she’s a fur mom of one dog. Her inspiration to work every day is her family.
Diego has an extensive background in customer service and, most recently in Maintenance and
My name is Paulina Gonzalez. I have been working for the company since early 2021. I studied social work and have 7 years of experience in customer service. I speak English and Spanish. I am very patient, and I like to ask a lot of questions to learn a lot. I enjoy small road trips and cold rainy weather. I have a 3-month-old puppy, and he is my favorite thing in the world.
Jessica has a Bachelor’s Degree in Financial strategies and public accounting and is studying a masters in Blockchain and Fintech regulation. She has previous experience as a customer service representative. She speaks English and Spanish. She loves taking long walks with her three dogs, hiking and road tripping during the weekends.
Chris Good is new to the United Properties Team since June 2022 as a Business Development Manager. With years of experience in both the construction industry (Master Electrician) and the Real Estate industry (Broker), he will closely work with new and experienced investors to facilitate their real estate goals.
Melba Alvarez
Enrique Vergara (Henry)
Alyssa Lawrence
Mike Cleveland