What Does a Property Maintenance Company Do?

What Does a Property Maintenance Company Do?

If you own investment properties or manage an apartment complex, office building, retail center, or other commercial real estate, finding a reliable property maintenance company is crucial. The right provider can be your best asset when it comes to optimizing your assets, protecting your investments, and keeping tenants satisfied.


But what exactly does a property maintenance company do? Their services are wide-ranging, providing solutions for both daily upkeep and long-term repairs and improvements. Keep reading to learn the key responsibilities of property maintenance companies.

Two smiling people shake hands with a construction worker in a yellow hard hat in front of a new home.

Daily Property Management Duties

 

For most properties, the bulk of a maintenance company’s work revolves around day-to-day oversight and routine upkeep. This includes:


  • Inspections – A maintenance provider will regularly walk the property looking for any issues that need addressing – from burned out light bulbs to safety hazards. Both exterior and interior inspections allow problems to be caught early before they worsen.

  • Landscaping – Curb appeal matters, so companies handle lawn mowing, tree and shrub trimming, sprinkler checks, and landscape design. Seasonal tasks like leaf removal are also part of the services.

  • Janitorial Cleaning – From trash collection to sweeping and mopping to stocking supplies, maintenance techs keep common areas clean and well-maintained.

  • Pest Control – Mice, cockroaches, bed bugs, spiders, and other pests get handled through preventative treatments and extermination services.

  • Snow Removal – In cold climates, companies plow parking lots, shovel walkways, salt surfaces, and remove ice dams in winter.

  • Pool Care – For properties with pools and hot tubs, chemical balancing, cleaning, and seasonal opening/closing are standard.

  • General Upkeep – From changing HVAC filters to unclogging drains, maintenance teams tackle miscellaneous upkeep tasks to keep systems running smoothly.
 

Handling Maintenance Requests

 

In addition to proactive maintenance, companies respond to tenant service calls and requests. Common examples include:


  • Plumbing leaks and clogged drains
  • Electrical shorts and appliance repairs
  • HVAC troubleshooting and adjustments
  • Drywall patching and paint touch ups
  • Door and cabinet hinge tightening
  • Smoke detector battery replacements
  • Lock rekeying
  • Exterior lighting outages
 

A maintenance coordinator takes requests, dispatches techs, follows up on work orders, and provides status updates to tenants. The goal is quick turnarounds on repairs to minimize disruption.


Property Improvements and Renovations

 

While daily maintenance handles immediate issues, companies also tackle larger property improvement projects. This keeps buildings updated, functional, and appealing over the long-term. Typical upgrades include:


  • Full unit rehabs between tenants – New floors, countertops, cabinets, lighting, paint and more bring units up to modern standards.

  • Common area remodels – Entrances, lobbies, hallways, and amenity spaces periodically need freshening up.

  • Building system upgrades – Improving roofs, windows, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing enhances efficiency and lifespan.

  • Siding, deck, and pavement repairs – Exteriors require facelifts and structural maintenance too.

  • Accessibility improvements – Ramps, lifts, and other ADA compliant upgrades ensure fair access.

  • Sustainability enhancements – Adding insulation, solar panels, low-flow plumbing fixtures reduces environmental impact.

  • Capital projects – Major undertakings like adding elevators, parking garages, and new wings keep properties competitive.
 

Proactive maintenance planning and budgeting ensure upgrades occur on schedule before issues arise. The maintenance company serves as a general contractor, overseeing projects from start to finish.


Emergency Services

 

When disaster strikes, maintenance teams provide rapid response 24/7. Flooding, fire, break-ins, and severe weather damage all call for urgent containment and repairs. Companies are on call nights and weekends to board up broken windows, extract water, secure properties, and initiate insurance claims.


Vendor Management

 

Most maintenance companies cultivate networks of licensed contractors to tap for specialized work. Plumbers, electricians, HVAC companies, locksmiths, glaziers, and other trades help execute larger repairs and improvements. The maintenance provider vets and manages the subcontractors for simplified hiring.


Administrative Services

 

Maintenance extends beyond physical upkeep to include back-office functions:


  • Managing capital and operating budgets
  • Processing and paying vendor invoices
  • Fielding tenant requests and issues
  • Enforcing lease terms and property rules
  • Performing background checks on applicants -Collecting and processing rent payments
 

Experienced staff handle leasing, accounting, compliance, tenant relations, and other administrative workflows. This allows property owners and managers to focus on high-level oversight and decision-making.


Why Outsource to a Property Maintenance Company?

 

Handling all the above in-house requires substantial staff and organizational bandwidth. Facilities managers, janitors, landscapers, contractors, and office personnel add up quickly.


For most owners and property management firms, outsourcing maintenance makes strategic sense. Advantages include:


  • Flexibility – Fluctuating workloads and seasonal demands are covered through contract adjustments rather than hiring/firing.

  • Cost Efficiency –Contracting fixed-priced services cost less than hiring in-house employees with benefits.

  • Improved Focus – Management companies can zero in on financial oversight and customer service rather than maintenance duties.

  • Consistent Quality – Seasoned maintenance providers work to standardize processes and bring extensive expertise.

  • Access to Talent – Recruiting and retaining skilled tradespeople is challenging. Outsourcing opens up more talent.

  • Shared Risk – Maintenance partners assume a portion of the risks and liabilities of property upkeep off the owner’s shoulders.

  • Accountability – Outsourcers are under contract to meet well-defined quality and performance standards.

  • Latest Technologies – Maintenance firms invest in solutions like mobile apps, predictive maintenance, asset management software, etc.
 

By aligning with the right maintenance company, owners enjoy better service, reduced headaches, and lower overhead. Properties stay well-run through peaks and valleys in the market.


Key Factors in Choosing a Maintenance Company

 

Not all providers are equal. Savvy owners should look for these traits when selecting a partner:


  • Relevant Experience – Look for expertise with your specific property type like multifamily, office, industrial, retail, etc.

  • Local Presence – Proximity enables faster response times and familiarity with regional suppliers and code requirements.

  • Safety Record – Check stats on past injuries and OSHA violations. Safety-first contractors reduce risk.

  • Stability – Choose an established company with years in business and financial stability. Check client retention rates.

  • Technology – Modern systems for work orders, asset tracking, etc. improve communication and accountability.

  • Round-the-Clock Service – After-hours emergency availability is a must.

  • Communication Skills – Responsiveness to requests and clarity in reporting shows care.

  • Proactive Attitude – The best firms enhance properties proactively, not just responding reactively to tenant calls.

  • Competitive Rates – Bids should provide good value, not just lowball prices. Hidden fees or upcharges are red flags.
 

Taking time to vet providers ensures you select a true partner in maintenance excellence.


Property Maintenance Services Offered by Octo Property Services

 

Here at Octo Property Services, we provide the complete spectrum of maintenance solutions for residential and commercial real estate clients throughout San Diego. Our experienced technicians handle daily upkeep, on-demand repairs, preventative maintenance, major renovations, 24/7 emergencies, and everything in between.


Specific services we provide include:


  • Landscaping Maintenance
  • Janitorial and Cleaning
  • HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing
  • Handyman Repairs
  • Locksmith Services
  • Fire and Water Restoration
  • Flooring and Carpet Cleaning
  • Parking Lot Sweeping
  • Construction and Capital Projects
 

We serve property owners and managers with both single-family homes and large multifamily and commercial portfolios. Our expertise spans apartment, office, retail, industrial, and HOA properties.

Octo brings a mutually aligned, customer-centric approach. We assign dedicated account managers who get to know each property intimately. Custom preventative plans and budgets maximize curb appeal, occupancy rates, and investment value over the long haul.


Contact Octo Property Services today for a estimate on your property maintenance needs!

Discover Octo Property Services:
San Diego's #1 Complete Property Maintenance And Renovation Experts

Areas We Service
North County
Central San Diego
Central San Diego Cont.
East County
South County
East County
South County
Central San Diego
North County
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Contact Information
Octo Property Services Logo
Lead Safe EPA Certified Firm Logo Green

San Diego’s #1 Complete Property Maintenance and Renovation Experts.

Address List
Octo Property Services Logo
Lead Safe EPA Certified Firm Logo Green

San Diego’s #1 Complete Property Maintenance and Renovation Experts.

© 2020 | Octo Property Services | All Rights Reserved.