Maintenance and Life Expectancy in my Rental Home

As a landlord, understanding the life expectancy of major items inside your rental property is essential for budgeting, planning maintenance schedules, and managing your investment effectively. While the actual lifespan of these items can vary based on factors such as usage, maintenance, and quality of materials, here are some general guidelines for common components:

1. Roofing: The life expectancy of a roof depends on the material used. Asphalt shingles typically last 20 to 30 years, while metal roofs can last 40 years or more with proper maintenance.

2. HVAC Systems: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have varying lifespans depending on the type and usage. Furnaces typically last 15 to 20 years, while central air conditioning units can last 10 to 15 years. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of HVAC systems.

3. Water Heaters: Traditional tank-style water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years, while tankless water heaters can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance.

4. Appliances: The lifespan of appliances can vary widely depending on usage and maintenance. Refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines typically last 10 to 15 years, while ranges and ovens can last 15 to 20 years. Regular maintenance and repairs can extend the lifespan of appliances.

5. Plumbing: Copper and PVC piping can last 50 years or more, while galvanized steel pipes may only last 20 to 50 years. Plumbing fixtures such as faucets and toilets can last 15 to 25 years with proper maintenance.

6. Electrical Systems: Electrical wiring can last 40 to 70 years or more, but outdated or damaged wiring may need to be replaced sooner. Electrical panels and components should be inspected regularly to ensure safety and functionality.

7. Flooring: The lifespan of flooring materials depends on the type and quality. Hardwood floors can last 100 years or more with proper care and refinishing, while carpeting typically lasts 5 to 7 years.

8. Paint: The life expectancy of paint in a rental home depends on various factors, including the quality of the paint, surface preparation, application method, environmental conditions, and maintenance practices. Here are some general guidelines for the life expectancy of paint:
9. Interior Paint: High-quality interior paint applied to properly prepared surfaces can last 5 to 7 years or more before needing repainting. Areas with high traffic or exposure to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways, may require more frequent touch-ups or repainting. Something else to consider is how many tenants you have had over a few years, if you had the several turns, the paint may wear sooner than if you had one long term tenant.

10. Exterior Paint: Exterior paint is exposed to harsher environmental conditions, including sunlight, rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations. As a result, exterior paint typically needs to be repainted more frequently than interior paint. High-quality exterior paint applied to well-prepared surfaces can last 5 to 10 years or more, depending on climate conditions and exposure to the elements.

11. Quality of Paint: The quality of the paint itself plays a significant role in its longevity. High-quality paints with durable formulations and good color retention properties are more likely to withstand the rigors of everyday use and environmental exposure.

It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and the actual lifespan of major items inside a rental property can vary based on factors such as maintenance, usage, climate, and quality of installation. Regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs are essential for extending the lifespan of these components and protecting your investment as a landlord. Additionally, budgeting for eventual replacements and upgrades can help you plan for the long-term maintenance of your rental property.

At TopFlight, we conduct annual visual inspections and try to prepare our owners in their reports of some of these major items that may be coming soon. We also offer a saving program for our owners to set aside additional funds from their proceeds each month, so that when one of these major items come up, they already have funds available in their TopFlight reserve account.  TopFlight also offers an optional annual maintenance inspection for owners that sign up for our owners benefit programs. 

Want to learn more about how TopFlight can help you prepare for some of these major maintenance concerns? Call us today (931)572-1570