Tips to avoid costly repairs

A well maintained rental home not only attracts the best tenants and secures the highest possible rent, it also goes a long way in preserving the capital value of your asset and ensuring it appreciates overtime.

Jill Lloyd, from Lew Geffen, said a lack of regular maintenance can also be downright dangerous. "At the very least, tenants should have the right to request an electrical compliance certificate, especially if they have small kids where earth leakage is vital."

Jenna Pietersen, from Lew Geffen, said at the very least, landlords should give their properties a fresh coat of paint, especially after a long term tenant has vacated, and ensure the garden is neat and tidy and all the fittings and fixtures in the house are neat and in working order.

She offered landlords tips for remaining on top of their maintenance and reducing the risk of major repairs:

Schedule regular property inspections and maintenance to keep the property in the best possible condition. This way, even if your tenants haven't reported a problem, you will still find it before it's become a big, expensive issue.

Ensure the contractors you use are qualified to carry out the work and are registered with the relevant association. Where possible, obtain guarantees for work done and if it's a large project, withhold 10 per cent of their final invoice until you're satisfied the work has been completed to your satisfaction; Forward plan when you renovate to minimise the cost and time of repairs.

For example, when renovating a bathroom, make sure working faucets are easily accessible for repairs by not installing cisterns concealed behind walls and shower tiles.

Check the property is watertight by checking for any loose or missing roof tiles, gaps in the brickwork, window and door frames, anywhere water could penetrate.

Have the gutters and drains cleared and make sure all the guttering and downpipes are in good condition