These 5 plumbing checks are essential to prepare your property for rent. Find out what they are so you can ensure you’re meeting rental guidelines.
This post has been written in collaboration with Inspection Manager
Choosing to rent out your property is an effective way of keeping a property you don’t wish to sell. It’s also a long-term investment opportunity that can potentially benefit your financial future.
Once you’ve decided to rent out your property, there are some key things you need to check.
The plumbing is an important aspect of your property and it should be checked before promoting it as a rental.
Here are 5 plumbing checks you should consider before enlisting an agent to find a tenant for your investment property.
5 Plumbing Checks to Get Your Property For Rent
1. Hot water units should have a tempering valve
It’s rare these days for a hot water unit NOT to have a tempering valve on it, but it is really important the hot water temperature is tempered to 50 degrees celsius.
While this is a plumbing by-law, it can also save on litigation fees should a renter claim they have been scalded from turning the hot water on.
Use a thermometer to check the temperature, and if it’s too cool or too hot, get your plumber to adjust the valve or replace it if it is faulty.
2. Ensure all taps and fixtures abide by water efficiency compliance
If you wish to pass the water charges on to the tenants, you must ensure the taps and fixtures are water efficient.
Each state in Australia has its own rulings on what is required if the water charges can be passed on to the tenants.
In QLD, the taps and showerheads should have an outflow of 9 litres per minute and toilets should be dual-flush, not exceeding 6.5 litres on full flush and 3.5 litres on half flush and a maximum average flush volume of 4 litres (based on the average of 1 full flush and 4 half flushes).
The property owner must pay for the fixed charges, but the water use can be passed on to the tenant, providing a plumber has checked that all fixtures and taps are water compliant.
3. Gutters and downpipes should be clear
It’s an important part of the maintenance routine to check all the gutters and downpipes aren’t blocked.
Gutters and downpipes can prevent an outside flood which can damage the property and potentially cause mould within the roof cavity.
It can also put the tenant in an unnecessary stressful position if the home they are inhabiting starts to flood inside.
Ensure the outside drainage system is sufficient for your property and that the gutters and downpipes are routinely cleaned.
Inspection Manager is a property management software that helps you ensure both routine checks and cleaning are done when scheduled. This app makes it easy for you to keep on top of the maintenance needs of each property you own.
4. Install an exhaust fan in all the bathrooms
It’s not mandatory to have an exhaust fan in the bathrooms, but if you want to prevent mould and mildew, an exhaust fan can prevent it growing.
As we know, steam promotes the build-up of moisture in the bathroom, which offers the perfect environment for mould to grow.
Minimise the growth of mould and mildew in the bathrooms by installing an exhaust fan.
5. No leaks or blockages
The existing plumbing should be free of leaks and blockages inside the property.
Flexi hoses should be checked. Better yet, flood stop valves should be installed to prevent a flexi hose from causing damage to the property and the tenant’s belongings.
A thorough check by yourself as the property owner and/or a plumber can put your mind at ease to ensure the plumbing is at a working standard for your property.
Getting a property ready for rent can be a daunting process. Use a property inspection checklist to help. When complete, a property owner can be assured they’ve done what they can to provide a safe home for a tenant to live in.
What other plumbing checks would you suggest on a home which will be put up for rent?
This post has been written in accordance with my disclosure policy.
