RentalRiff Blog

Rental property maintenance

The Best Time of Year for Exterior Deep Cleans in Oregon

Oregon’s natural beauty comes with a trade-off: moss, rain, and a whole lot of grime—especially for landlords managing rental properties. While interior upkeep is often top of mind, maintaining your rental’s exterior is just as important. And when it comes to deep cleaning the outside of your home, timing matters.

Property owner best practices

Mold on Siding? Here’s What It Means for Your Rental

It might start as a few green or black streaks on the siding—but mold and mildew on the exterior of a rental property is more than just a cosmetic issue. It’s often a sign of deeper problems that could lead to tenant complaints, property damage, or even health concerns.

Rental property maintenance

Why Gutter Neglect Is One of the Costliest Mistakes You Can Make

When you think of high-priority maintenance items, gutters probably don’t top the list. They’re not flashy, they’re not inside the home, and they usually don’t seem urgent—until something goes wrong. But ignoring gutter maintenance is one of the most expensive and preventable mistakes a landlord can make.

Rental property maintenance

5 Overlooked Rental Areas That Often Need Repair

When landlords think of maintenance, the usual suspects come to mind—leaky faucets, HVAC filters, or paint touch-ups. But some of the most problematic repairs stem from areas that don’t always make the regular checklist. These overlooked parts of a rental may seem minor at first, but they often lead to costly issues if ignored.

Property owner best practices

Common Maintenance Issues After 1 Year of Tenant Occupancy

Even with great tenants, a full year of occupancy can leave its mark on a rental property. Daily use, seasonal changes, and minor wear add up—sometimes revealing underlying issues that need attention. Knowing what to expect after 12 months can help landlords address small problems before they become costly repairs.

Property owner best practices

The Lifecycle of Rental Fixtures: When to Repair or Replace

In rental properties, wear is inevitable—but that doesn’t always mean it’s time to replace something. Knowing when to repair a fixture versus when it’s more cost-effective (or necessary) to replace it is a skill every landlord and property manager should master.

Property owner best practices

Proactive vs. Reactive Maintenance: Which Saves You More?

Maintenance strategy is one of the biggest cost drivers in rental property ownership. While every landlord has dealt with a leaking pipe or broken appliance, not every landlord manages these issues the same way. The difference? A proactive vs. reactive approach.

Rental property maintenance

How to Handle Wear and Tear in Long-Term Rental Units

One of the most common points of confusion for landlords—and tension with tenants—is the difference between normal wear and tear and actual damage. In long-term rental units, especially those that house tenants for several years, it’s critical to know what’s expected, what’s enforceable, and how to handle it fairly.

Property owner best practices

Setting Tenant Expectations Without Sounding Harsh

Managing a rental property often requires landlords to walk a fine line: setting clear expectations while maintaining a respectful, approachable relationship with tenants. But how do you communicate rules, boundaries, or maintenance responsibilities without sounding overly strict or impersonal?

Property owner best practices

Can Tenants Request Upgrades? A Landlord’s Response Guide

It’s not uncommon for tenants to ask for upgrades—whether it’s a new dishwasher, better lighting, or updated flooring. But how should landlords respond to these requests, especially when they're not required by law or lease? Striking the right balance between improving the property and protecting your bottom line is key.

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