To hear more about our preventative maintenance services, please contact us. We also welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions about this topic or any area you’d like us to talk about. Please share those, too. We want to know how maintaining your home has been a challenge.
The Preventative Maintenance Checklist for All San Francisco Landlords
BanCal Property Management • October 1, 2021
How to Avoid Expensive Emergency Repairs
Renting out a San Francisco property means being ready for the unexpected; whether it’s a leak below the kitchen sink or an appliance that’s outlived its use. Responding to routine and emergency maintenance requests from your tenants comes with the territory.
Those unexpected emergencies can get expensive, however. They’re also disruptive and frustrating for both owners and tenants.
The best way to avoid expensive emergencies? We’ve found it’s a good preventative maintenance plan. Here are some of the things we recommend.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE SAVES MONEY
We know that maintenance costs are rising, and one good way to get out ahead of those climbing costs is with a preventative maintenance plan. You’ll save money on emergencies, increase tenant retention, and preserve the condition of your San Francisco investment property.
1. START WITH THE HVAC SYSTEM
Our climate has always been pretty mild, but lately we’ve had ridiculously cold winter days and some real scorchers in the summer. Your tenants are using both the heat and the air conditioning, and that means your system has to be functional and efficient. It’s one of the most important and expensive parts of your property - you need reliability.
By contracting with a local HVAC technician, you can have your unit inspected and serviced annually. This may cost a couple hundred dollars, but it will save you thousands on having to replace a furnace or an air conditioning unit prematurely.
2. DON’T PUT OFF THE PLUMBING PROBLEMS
A dripping faucet or a toilet that’s flushing funny is easy to put off. These don’t seem like urgent repairs. However, the longer you leave a leaking pipe, the bigger the plumbing emergency is likely to be in a week or a month.
Don’t invite larger and more expensive disasters. Take care of plumbing issues right away. When your tenants report that something is wet, discolored, leaking, or dripping - get a plumber out there right away. When you’re
inspecting the property during tenant turnovers, always check under sinks and behind toilets. Keep the caulking around tubs and tiles fresh.
Water problems left unattended can lead to rot and mold, which will only increase what you have to spend to make the necessary repairs and replacements. Always be proactive and preventative when it comes to water in your San Francisco rental property.
3. REPLACING VS. REPAIRING YOUR RENTAL HOME APPLIANCES
Upgrading your appliances is a great way to
attract better tenants, retain your current tenants, and increase your rental value.
It’s also a good part of preventative maintenance. Instead of repairing the dishwasher or the refrigerator every time there’s a problem, know when to replace it instead. Energy efficient appliances are going to perform better than the older models, and you’ll have fewer repair calls from tenants.
Train and Educate your Tenants on Preventative Maintenance
Protecting the condition of your property takes a combined effort from owners, tenants, and property managers. Make sure your residents know you want all maintenance issues reported right away. Don’t let any repairs get deferred or unreported.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
The best way to take care of preventative maintenance is by working with a
San Francisco property management company. At BanCal Property Management, we’ve been maintaining rental investments since 1987. We can make sure your property is in great shape, and we’ll save you money while we’re doing it.
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At BanCal, we understand that trusted vendors are essential to maintaining high-quality properties. That’s why we follow a thorough and intentional vendor screening process to ensure every contractor and service provider meets the standards our residents and property owners expect.
At BanCal, one of the most important parts of our property management approach is conducting a thorough annual walkthrough of every unit we oversee. These yearly check-ins allow us to closely examine each space, identify potential issues early, and ensure your property is being properly maintained. We take our time during these walkthroughs. Each unit receives a detailed, hands-on review focused on small but important details that may go unnoticed or unreported by tenants. During the visit, we check for: Functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors Leaks or plumbing issues in faucets, toilets, and under sinks Signs of wear and tear, mildew, or water damage Window seals and anything that may affect heating, airflow, or insulation These visits help confirm that the unit remains safe and habitable. They also present opportunities to catch minor maintenance issues before they become costly repairs. For example, a slow leak or a running toilet can quietly increase water bills over time. Why do we take this approach? Because tenants don’t always report problems—sometimes they overlook them, or simply don’t realize an issue needs attention. A yearly walkthrough gives us valuable insight into the true condition of the unit. In addition to these interior reviews, our team also inspects the exterior of your property at least once a month. We check landscaping, look for visible wear, and flag anything that may need attention. After the annual walkthrough, we’ll provide you with a full report that includes photos, detailed notes, and recommended next steps based on our findings. While not a formal inspection, our reports are grounded in years of experience and a trained eye for detail—so you always know what’s going on with your property. These annual check-ins are a key part of how we protect your investment, promote tenant satisfaction, and maintain the long-term value of your property. At BanCal , we treat every property like it’s our own—and that’s why this process matters.
