Property Management Blog

  Kitchen and laundry appliances and water heaters are considered assets and, depending on the quantity supplied to rental units, can indeed be a major investment. The consultants at Richmond, VA Property Management include these assets on their maintenance follow-up list and track the life span of each individual appliance. Appliances' life spans are dependent on the quality of materials used and the way in which they are handled by the user. Therefore, the useful life of the appliances is partly dependent on how the residents treat the appliances. Richmond, VA Property Management advises that residents should be given demonstrations on the use and care of appliances. Additionally, landlords should document the state of each appliance and gain the residents' signature, attesting to the information recorded. Dishwashers can usually last up to nine years and have the shortest lifespan of appliances. The tubs can be of steel or plastic. The older models may have a porcelain tub. The main issue with dishwashers is caused by using hard water that deposits minerals causing the pump to clog up. A good practice is to use hard water mineral removers in a dishwashing cycle every six months to remove and prevent build up and eventual clogging. The refrigerator has a very long life span, however, keeping the defrosting drain clear and cleaning the condenser coils, checking the gasket and the ice maker line are routine activities that can ensure uninterrupted use. Stoves do outlast most appliances; however, some maintenance routines can involve checking the gasket, cleaning around and replacing knobs, and changing burners if needed. Richmond, VA Property Management uses these simple routines to keep appliances in check.