In order to bring more long term value to the rental property–especially if you’d like to sell in the near future–it’s often recommended a landlord should keep up with regular maintenance any ultimately make the necessary repairs. However, I hear it all the time from clients”What do I do when a renter damages my house” I recommend visiting this link-https://www.darrenbuyshomescash.com/what-to-do-if-your-tenants-cause-damage-to-your-sacramento-rental/
You can find ways to save money making repairs in order to always keep your property in tip-top shape. Repairs aren’t necessarily the place where you want to skimp on costs. You’ve heard the saying garbage in and garbage out. Cheap doesn’t mean better it just means cheap. On the other hand no need to go high end either. You will want a balance. You hear the saying “Baby Proof” all the time. In the rental business we have a term called “Tenant proof”. however, there are some great ways you can save money on repair costs for your Sacramento rentals. Below, learn about some of our favorite ways landlords can save money making repairs on your Sacramento investment properties.
If you feel you have had enough of the rental business and want to retire, call me today at (916) 300-7962. I buys homes cash and fast in all areas of Sacramento. I mainly buy homes cash with tenants inside and still residing in the home. This can be helpful to eliminate vacancies and keep your cash flow to the very end without interruptions. SPECIALIZE IN BUYING SQUATTER AND TENANT OCCUPIED, FIXERS, MOBILE HOMES AND HOMEOWNERS EXPERIENCING DISTRESS & STRESS. PRIMARY AREAS ARE: SACRAMENTO, S. SAC, OAK PARK, FLORIN AREA, DEL PASO HTS, NORTH HIGHLANDS, CARMICHAEL, CITRUS HEIGHTS AND ORANGEVALE. Visit https://www.DarrenBuysSacramentoHomes.com/ or click here to see if selling your home is best for you https://youtu.be/0ULfAybPjCY
1-Build A Reliable Team
In my experience I keep using the same company to do repairs. This helps their company, the community and me. If you keep using the same repair contractor you establish continuity. They will have the complete history of what was done in the past and they also serve as a testimony in case you need them later down the road. Consider like when you go to the doctor. You don’t keep bouncing around. If you do you interrupt the process and BIG things get overlooked. Besides repeat business provides you deep discounts simply because you established a win-win situation for your contractor. So Partner up with some contractors who you can turn to again and again. This way you will attain the peace of mind in knowing the repairs are being done properly and that you have someone working on your house who is true to their word. You won’t have to worry about poor work ethic or the repairs being completed in the wrong way. You can also have a team readily available to handle the cleanup once the repairs are completed. Every good landlord will have a go-to cleaning service they know and trust to get the job done.
KEEP IN MIND-Automatic Cleaning charges are prohibited:
As of 1 April 2025 California established several new laws regarding cleaning and deposits.
Its called AB 2801 also prohibits automatic charges for cleaning and/or carpet cleaning unless those charges are reasonably necessary to restore the property to its condition at the beginning of the tenancy.
Some landlords have been charging for cleaning as if it were required every time. I have seen leases with long lists of pre-agreed cleaning charges with tenants. That policy functions as a non-refundable security deposit which is illegal. Landlords should remove that language from their lease.
This does not limit a landlord’s ability to charge for cleaning when it is needed to restore the home to its pre-rental condition (minus normal wear and tear). Here is a link to AB 2801
2-Deal With Scheduling Repairs Yourself
When you leave the repairs up to the tenants, it is like handing them a blank check. They aren’t going to be worried about saving you money, they are going to worry about getting the problem fixed. If you want your repairs done right and done at a fair price, it is best for you to handle them yourself, finding your own people to do the job. Once the repairs are completed, you can make sure they are up to your level of satisfaction. If your tenant had chosen the vendor, you might find yourself having to pay for poor workmanship.
3-Screen Your Tenants Thoroughly
Sometimes the repairs are needed because your tenant caused the damage. One way to avoid such problems is to ensure you are screening your tenants thoroughly. Talk to your prospective tenant’s past landlords, and run background checks on anyone who will be living in your home. Even if you know the person who wants to move in, don’t assume they will take as good care of your property as you need them to. Always encourage your tenants to report any problems or unusual things they are noticing. If your tenant is able to help you discover a leak right away, you will be able to save thousands in water damage costs you may have otherwise been forced to face.
4-Make The Repairs Yourself
One way to check the status and condition is to require annual testing of the carbon and smoke detectors. Personally install the new batteries at which you will be able to see the condition of the property. This is also a good time to establish rapport. Have that part of the lease/rental agreement You don’t need to be a carpenter or plumber to deal with basic repairs the property needs. Many things can be handled on your own with just a little elbow grease. Of course, this should only be done if you are confident in your abilities and know what you are doing. Don’t bite off more than you can chew or you are likely going to find yourself with even more repairs to make! Know when to call in a professional and when it makes more sense to handle it on your own. Sometimes the DIY aspects of being a landlord can appear unglamorous, but when you see that tremendous ROI, it suddenly won’t seem to matter so much.
Landlords face many costs over the life of their investment. By being able to make repairs in a cost-efficient manner, landlords can save money, and put more of their profits in their pockets.
