Many landlords in the private rented sector will be all too aware of how difficult and costly it can be to secure the services of qualified tradespeople these days.

When considering which repairs and maintenance landlords can do themselves, Suzanne Smith from The Independent Landlord blog says:

“One of the most difficult problems I have as a landlord is trying to persuade the trades to come out for small jobs. A slow turnaround on repairs is bad for tenants, as well as being a hassle for landlords, who have to keep chasing them.” 

With skills shortages still a major headache across the construction industry, highly-rated tradespeople are often booked up weeks and even months in advance, with many reluctant to take on the typical odd jobs that landlords are responsible for. 

Landlords who can tackle these simple property repairs and maintenance themselves don’t just save money but aren’t tied to the schedule of busy tradespeople. This can make all the difference in fixing issues efficiently, protecting both yourself and your tenants. 

It’s also worth mentioning that landlords who work with letting agents regularly have to factor in mark-up fees for any repair work that has been arranged by the agent, bumping costs up even higher. 

According to a recent poll in The Independent Landlord Private Facebook Group, landlords budget between 10% - 15% of gross rent from a property on repairs and maintenance. So, how can they keep these costs down? 

What kinds of tasks can landlords tackle themselves?

All kinds of common household jobs can be tackled by landlords with some entry-level trade skills. For example, fixing leaky pipes can be done with some basic plumbing knowledge, a priceless skill when it comes to preventing mould and dampness.

Other instances of frequent DIY tasks can include repairing and replacing broken bathroom tiles, regrouting to ensure surfaces are fully sealed and protected, hanging wallpaper when existing layers become tired or simply freshening up a room with a lick of paint. 

While some of these things are superficial, they can go a long way in making things more pleasant and welcoming for your tenant, in turn making them more likely to stick around for longer.

It can also help reduce the time between lets — if someone comes to view your property and it looks worn down, odds are they’re going to be quickly looking elsewhere. 

Equally, it’s also vital that you understand what kind of work should always be left to a professional. Electrical jobs will require the expertise of a qualified tradesperson, likewise, big plumbing jobs, like installing a completely new water system, are best left to those with experience. Legally, any kind of gas work must be only carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

For landlords who do want the ability to confidently complete routine DIY tasks on their properties, introductory trade courses — such as Introduction to Tiling or Introduction to Plumbing — are a great, efficient way of building valuable skills and knowledge. If you’d like to find out more about how Able Skills training can be of benefit to landlords, feel free to give us a ring on 01322 280 202.