How are you approaching property maintenance at your California rental?
This can be a complex question, especially since properties are so different and their maintenance needs depend on age, condition, and even location.
As professional property managers in California, one of our most important missions is ensuring properties are well-maintained and free of recurring problems. Today, we’ll walk through the most common property maintenance issues faced by rental property owners and provide actionable strategies to prevent them before they start costing you absurd amounts of money.
Our Summary:
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Plumbing Problems in California Rentals
Water issues may or may not plague you and your property, depending on where you’re located. Many parts of California are in a flood zone, and even those markets that felt safe from potential water events have been surprised in recent winters at the amount of rain they’ve received.
But even worse than natural water problems are interior plumbing problems. And these tend to be the most common maintenance concerns, no matter where in California you happen to be renting out a home.
As property managers, we’re most often called to deal with:
Leaky faucets
Running toilets
Burst pipes
Clogged drains
Low water pressure
California’s older properties can have dated plumbing infrastructure. But even new construction homes can have plumbing problems. Our best maintenance prevention tips can be found here:
Conduct Annual Inspections. We cannot stress this enough. Have a licensed plumber inspect pipes, water heaters, and drainage systems annually.
Install Drain Screens: Reduce clogs by placing drain screens in sinks, showers, and tubs. This will save you a number of plumbing maintenance calls.
Tenant Education. Tenants are your maintenance partners. Provide them with basic guidelines for what should not be flushed or poured down drains.
Upgrade Old Plumbing. Copper and PEX pipes last longer than outdated galvanized steel.
Many plumbing problems are preventable, and being proactive can save time and money.
Roof Leaks and Damage are Major Maintenance Issues
From the coastal moisture in the Bay Area to the intense heat in the Central Valley, roofs in California endure extreme environmental stress. Winter storms and even wildfire embers can damage roofing materials.
Common issues include water leaks, damaged shingles or tiles, and mold from moisture intrusion. If you’re wondering how to prevent these things, we recommend:
Annual Roof Inspections. Schedule a yearly professional inspection, especially before rainy seasons arrive. When you get out in front of potential problems, you save yourself some money and you avoid disrupting your tenant with emergency repairs.
Clear Gutters. Clean gutters twice a year to prevent water backup that can damage the roof edge.
Trim Trees. Overhanging branches can break tiles or create moisture traps.
Invest in Fire-Resistant Materials. This is especially important in wildfire-prone regions like Northern California.
Whether it’s intense sun or sudden rain, the roof of your rental property has a lot to do. Make sure it’s in good condition.
HVAC System Failures
So many maintenance calls come in because the air conditioning isn’t working or it smells like something’s burning when the heat gets turned on for the first time in a year. Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive pieces of equipment in your California rental property. You need to keep it in good condition.
The most common complaints are:
A/C breakdowns
Furnace not heating
Poor airflow
Moldy ducts
Schedule HVAC maintenance in the spring and fall to make sure everything is running. You can also prevent HVAC issues by changing air filters quarterly. Clogged filters reduce efficiency and lead to system breakdowns. Consider making some upgrades. Smart thermostats help regulate temperature and reduce unnecessary strain. Finally, seal ducts. This prevents energy loss and reduces stress on your HVAC system.
California’s climate varies widely, from the cold winters of the Sierra Nevada to the triple-digit summers in inland areas. This puts a year-round strain on HVAC systems.
Pest Infestations
One of the least-favorite maintenance issues to pop up is a problem with bugs or rodents. Common issues include termites, cockroaches, rodents, and ants. The state’s mild year-round climate is a paradise not only for people, but for pests, too. Older buildings with crawl spaces or wood foundations are especially vulnerable.
Invest in quarterly pest control. Don’t wait until tenants complain. Instead, schedule regular preventative treatments. Seal all potential entry points. Caulk and seal cracks, vents, and crawl space access points. Stay on top of landscaping management, too. Keep shrubs and trees trimmed and away from structures.
In areas like Southern California, consider annual termite inspections.
Complaints about Appliance Breakdowns
California tenants rely on their functional dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, and dryers. They need a working stove and oven, and they want a microwave. If the fridge isn’t cooling or the washer starts to leak, we have a problem, and we need to resolve that problem as soon as possible. We prevent these issues with:
Regular Appliance Checks. We include appliance checks in your seasonal walkthroughs.
Replace Aging Units. Appliances older than 8–10 years may be more costly to repair than replace.
Provide Manuals. Give tenants manuals or simple care instructions to reduce misuse.
Buy Mid-Range, Reliable Brands. Avoid cheap models but skip ultra-premium options that may have expensive repairs.
Not sure what kind of appliances are best for your rental property? Contact us at Bell Properties, and we’ll recommend a model that won’t need a lot of maintenance.
Water Damage and Mold
We talked about plumbing issues at the very beginning of this blog. Another reason that attention to plumbing is so important is that water issues can lead to damage and mold. Common issues include:
Leaks under sinks
Poor ventilation
Roof or wall seepage
Bathroom mold
Our prevention tips include:
Install Exhaust Fans. Ensure all kitchens and bathrooms have working ventilation.
Use Mold-Resistant Paint. Especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
Inspect for Leaks Often. Check under sinks, behind toilets, and around windows.
Act Fast. Address even minor water damage immediately. Mold can begin growing in just 24-48 hours.
Coastal humidity, winter rain, and poor ventilation in older units combine to create ideal conditions for water damage and mold growth.
California Rental Homes and Electrical Issues
We often get maintenance calls about circuit breakers tripping, outlets not working, lights flickering, and wiring that’s frayed, aging, or hot. Aging infrastructure in older neighborhoods and increased tenant reliance on electronics can overload systems. Earthquakes may also damage wiring over time.
Inspections, again, are important. Have an electrician inspect your property every 3–5 years or with each turnover. Think about upgrading your panels. Modern tenants often need more power than outdated panels can supply. It’s a good idea to install GFCI outlets, especially in bathrooms and kitchens for safety and code compliance. Also, make it easier for tenants to reset tripped breakers safely.
Identifying and Avoiding Tenant Damage
After a tenant moves out of your California rental property, you might find things like holes in the wall, major stains or tears in the carpet, broken blinds or fixtures. There may be appliances that were clearly misused, doors off their hinges, or missing screens.
Security deposit laws are strict. But when you know you have damage, make sure you can document it. Photos are now required before a tenant moves in and after they move out.
High tenant turnover, tight rental markets, and long wait times for evictions can increase wear and tear.
How can you prevent this? It’s not easy, but conduct inspections when you can. Create clear lease agreements and define expectations early and consistently. Make sure you collect a security deposit to pay for damage that goes beyond wear and tear.
Preventive maintenance can be an important way to protect your investment. Not only does it ensure your value doesn’t suffer, it also provides an immediate fix for your tenants, who are looking for responsive and accessible landlords and property managers.
In California, where rental property values are high and tenant expectations are higher, ignoring routine upkeep can quickly turn into a legal liability or financial disaster.
By proactively addressing the most common maintenance issues, including those we’ve talked about here, you can reduce emergency calls, minimize vacancies, and keep your property competitive in a crowded market.
Working with a property manager can provide you with a lot of peace of mind when it comes to maintaining your property. We work with the best vendors, we invest in preventative services, and we communicate transparently with both tenants and owners. Contact us at Bell Properties for all your California property management and maintenance needs.
