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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.
Here are the most common maintenance issues you’re likely to encounter after a tenant’s first year, plus tips for staying ahead of them.
1. HVAC Filters and Performance
What to expect:
- Clogged or dirty air filters
- Reduced airflow or temperature inconsistency
- Strange odors when turning on the heat or A/C
Why it matters:
Neglecting HVAC upkeep can reduce system efficiency and increase utility costs. In worst cases, it can lead to breakdowns.
What to do:
- Replace filters if tenants didn’t (or remind them regularly moving forward)
- Schedule an annual inspection and cleaning
RentalRiff pros often include seasonal HVAC checks as part of their routine maintenance plans.
2. Bathroom Caulking and Grout
What to expect:
- Mildewed or cracked caulking around tubs, sinks, and showers
- Grout discoloration or separation between tiles
Why it matters:
Water damage can creep in through small gaps, leading to rot or mold behind walls.
What to do:
- Re-caulk high-moisture areas as needed
- Touch up or re-grout tile seams showing wear
3. Kitchen Appliance Wear
What to expect:
- Slow or uneven burners on stoves
- Refrigerator gasket wear
- Dishwasher not draining or cleaning well
Why it matters:
Minor issues become major ones when ignored—especially in busy kitchens.
What to do:
- Test appliances during your inspection
- Clean coils, filters, or seals
- Repair or replace underperforming units before lease renewal
4. Carpet and Flooring Condition
What to expect:
- Stains or matting in high-traffic areas
- Lifting edges, loose boards, or worn laminate
Why it matters:
Trip hazards or excessive wear lower the home’s perceived quality—and increase your next turnover cost.
What to do:
- Spot clean or deep clean carpets
- Re-stretch or repair areas with visible issues
- Assess whether certain floors are nearing end-of-life
5. Paint and Wall Scuffs
What to expect:
- Minor dings, marks, or scratches on walls
- Discoloration around light switches or baseboards
Why it matters:
While this falls under normal wear and tear, accumulated scuffs can make a home feel neglected.
What to do:
- Touch up paint in trouble spots
- Consider full repainting in common areas every 2–3 years
6. Plumbing Fixtures
What to expect:
- Slow drains
- Dripping faucets or leaky handles
- Running toilets
Why it matters:
Small leaks waste water and add to your utility bill if you’re covering it. Long-term, they can damage surrounding surfaces.
What to do:
- Snake or clean out slow drains
- Tighten or replace seals and washers
- Replace faulty fill valves or flappers in toilets
7. Exterior Wear (If Applicable)
What to expect:
- Dirty siding, clogged gutters, or overgrown landscaping
- Loose fence boards or weathered paint
Why it matters:
The outside of the home shapes first impressions and protects the structure.
What to do:
- Schedule an exterior cleaning or pressure wash
- Trim shrubs or trees near the home
- Check for drainage issues or pest activity
8. Smoke and CO Detectors
What to expect:
- Dead or missing batteries
- Expired or non-functioning units
Why it matters:
Safety compliance is not optional. In many states, it’s a legal requirement to provide working alarms.
What to do:
- Test all detectors and replace batteries annually
- Replace entire units if past the 7–10 year mark
9. Window Seals and Locks
What to expect:
- Sticky windows, loose locks, or condensation between panes
Why it matters:
Compromised seals reduce energy efficiency and affect tenant comfort.
What to do:
- Lubricate tracks
- Replace weatherstripping
- Repair or replace faulty locks and latches
10. General Wear and Tenant Notes
What to expect:
- Tenants may report minor annoyances like squeaky doors, loose outlets, or flickering lights
Why it matters:
These little things can pile up and give the impression of poor maintenance.
What to do:
- Use move-out or annual check-ins to invite feedback
- Knock out small fixes quickly to show you care
RentalRiff’s property specialists often conduct full annual inspections and tackle dozens of small issues in a single visit—saving landlords time and keeping tenants happy.
Bonus Tip: Create a Year-One Checklist
Keep a reusable list of common post-year-one checks to streamline your process. Include:
- Filter and vent inspections
- Bathroom seals
- Flooring and paint condition
- Appliance performance
- Detector testing
- Drain and fixture checks
This makes year-end inspections smoother and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About Problems—It’s About Prevention
After a year, your rental unit has done its job. Now it’s time to make sure it’s ready for year two.
Catching issues early helps:
- Keep tenants satisfied
- Extend the life of your property
- Avoid bigger repairs down the line
And if you’re not able to do it all yourself, a maintenance partner like RentalRiff can step in—making proactive property care easy to manage and even easier to afford.
Because staying ahead of small maintenance issues now means fewer emergencies later—and a healthier return on your investment.