Owning rental property in Indianapolis is a long game. And like any good long-term investment, it demands strategy—especially when it comes to maintenance.
Let’s be blunt: reactive maintenance is expensive. Not just in dollars, but in time, stress, and Resident satisfaction. If you’re constantly putting out fires, you’re losing money—maybe more than you realize.
That’s where preventative maintenance comes in.
What Is Preventative Maintenance?
Preventative maintenance means addressing issues before they become problems. Think of it like changing the oil in your car—basic upkeep that prevents catastrophic failure down the line.
When done right, preventative maintenance protects your property’s value, improves Resident retention, and minimizes surprise repair costs.
Why Indianapolis Landlords Need Preventative Maintenance
Indianapolis has a wide range of rental properties, from turn-of-the-century homes in Irvington to suburban builds in Franklin Township. And in our climate—where freeze-thaw cycles, humidity, and old construction collide—minor issues can escalate quickly.
Some local examples:
Gutters clog fast in fall, leading to foundation and water issues in winter.
HVAC units overwork during humid Indy summers, especially if filters are ignored.
Older homes with galvanized plumbing are prone to pinhole leaks—silent, slow, and destructive.
What Should You Actually Be Doing?
Preventative maintenance isn’t just a good idea—it’s a smart investment. Here are some of the most important services we recommend for Indianapolis landlords:
Chimney & Fireplace Clean & Check
Especially for properties with wood or gas fireplaces.Annual Gutter Cleaning
A must for properties with nearby trees. Prevents water damage and foundation issues.Dryer Vent Cleaning
Helps prevent fires and extends the life of the appliance.Bi-Annual HVAC Inspection
Keeps systems running efficiently and helps catch costly issues early.
All of these services can be added to your PMA with us à la carte, but many landlords opt for our Preventative Maintenance Package, which goes even deeper.
The package includes:
Detailed Plumbing Inspections
In-Depth HVAC Checks
Annual Water Heater Drain & Sewer Line Inspection
Handyman Services like gutter clean outs, smoke detector checks, and roof evaluations
And more
How Does Spending More Money Save Me Money Down the Road?
Say a landlord owns a well-maintained rental home in South Broad Ripple.
Everything seems fine- until a resident reports the dryer isn’t working.
Upon inspection, it’s discovered the dryer vent was completely clogged. But it didn’t just cause the dryer to overheat and die. The intense heat warped nearby vinyl siding and triggered a small fire inside the wall cavity.
The total bill?
Dryer replacement: $850
Siding repair: $1,200
Wall fire damage remediation: $3,800
Resident hotel stay & insurance coordination: $500+ headache
Total: Over $6,000 in avoidable expenses.
Our Preventative Maintenance Program cost?
$375 per visit.
Bonus Benefit: Resident Satisfaction
Happy Residents = Longer Leases = More Money.
Preventative maintenance doesn’t just protect your asset—it signals professionalism. When your Residents see regular upkeep, they’re more likely to respect the home and renew their lease.
