Owning a rental isn’t always the easy money people think it is. Something always breaks. A tap drips. The paint peels. The oven stops working the one night your tenant decides to cook a roast. It’s all part of the deal. But here’s the trick – you can fix things, keep your property looking good, and still save money while doing it.
If you’re renting in Middlesbrough, or even planning to sell soon, keeping up with repairs adds real long-term value. It’s not just about patching up problems. It’s about making your place last. And saving a few quid along the way doesn’t hurt either.
Let’s talk about a few simple ways to do that – the kind that actually work in real life, not just on paper.
Build A Reliable Team
Do you feel like you found someone who gets it? That’s how it should feel with your repair people. Having a small circle of folks you trust – a plumber, an electrician, a handyman, maybe a cleaner – changes everything.
I learned that the hard way once. Hired a guy off Facebook because he was “cheap and quick.” Well, he was definitely quick. The job? Not so much. The tap still leaked, and I ended up paying double to fix what he’d already “fixed.” Never again.
Now, I’ve got my go-to crew. They’re fair, fast, and honest. They know my standards and don’t cut corners. Having that peace of mind? Worth every penny. You’ll sleep better knowing someone reliable is one phone call away when things go wrong.
Handle the Scheduling Yourself
Okay, this one’s big. Never – ever – let tenants handle repairs. It resembles relinquishing your wallet to someone and instructing, “Procure what you deem necessary for me.” They do mean well, but they don’t care about quality or cost. They just want the problem gone.
By personally overseeing the timetable, you maintain control. You determine the individual responsible for the task, the timing of its execution, and the associated costs. One can compare pricing, obtain bids, and ensure the task is executed correctly.
Furthermore, you will have precise knowledge of individuals who have accessed your property. Although it is a minor detail, it holds significance. Upon completion of the repair, you may verify it personally. Ten minutes of your time could save hundreds later.
Screen Tenants Carefully
Sometimes the repairs you’re paying for aren’t from wear and tear – they’re from tenants who just don’t treat the place like home. A broken door. A mystery hole in the wall. A “small spill” that turns into a new carpet bill.
You can’t stop every problem, but you can prevent a lot by choosing tenants carefully. Always check references. Talk to past landlords. Don’t skip the background checks, even if it’s someone you “kind of know.” That’s when people get burned.
And once they move in, make it easy for them to tell you when something’s off. A tiny drip, a strange smell, weird sounds from the pipes – catching problems early saves a ton. I previously had a tenant who contacted me with a soft area beneath the sink. Intercepted it prior to the onset of extensive water damage. Saved me thousands.
Try a Bit of DIY
Now, this part depends on how handy you are. You don’t need to be a pro to handle small stuff – tightening a hinge, patching paint, replacing a tap washer. It’s amazing how much you can do with a YouTube video and a Saturday afternoon.
I recall dedicating half a day to mastering the repair of a perpetually running toilet. It lacked glamour. At one point, I was knee-deep in parts wondering what I’d gotten myself into. But it worked – and I saved enough to cover the next repair fund.
That said, know your limits. Anything electrical, gas-related, or even slightly dangerous? Call in the experts. A cheap fix gone wrong can get very expensive.
Still, learning to handle the small stuff adds up. It’s satisfying too – there’s a weird kind of pride in solving things with your own two hands.
The Big Picture
Being a landlord isn’t just about rent checks and keys. It’s about protecting what you own and keeping it strong for the long run. Repairs are part of that. But if you’re smart about it – build your team, stay hands-on, screen tenants, and pick your battles – you’ll save real money and headaches down the line.
If you want to learn more about how to save money on Middlesbrough rental repairs, call our staff at 01642 088037 or send us a message at any time. We’re here to help you keep your investments strong – and your repair bills small.