How Much Does Crestview Rental Property Maintenance Really Cost?
Owning a rental property in Crestview can be a smart investment, but it’s not all passive income and easy returns. Maintenance is a real and recurring expense every landlord must plan for. From HVAC issues to small repairs, knowing what to expect—and how to budget—will keep your cash flow healthy and your tenants happy. In this article, we're going to go over what maintenance costs to expect, what to budget, what to keep in a reserve, and the importance of preparation by a Crestview professional property manager.
Common Maintenance Costs to Expect
Every property is different, but these are the most common repairs you’ll face:
HVAC Service or Repairs – Seasonal tune-ups, filter changes, or full system fixes.
Plumbing – Leaky faucets, running toilets, or clogged drains.
Minor Repairs – Burned-out light fixtures, broken fence panels after a storm, or small drywall patches.
Appliance Repairs or Replacements – Dishwashers, refrigerators, and washers/dryers eventually need work or replacement.
Even with good tenants and preventative maintenance, these items are inevitable.
How Much to Budget Each Year
A good rule of thumb is to set aside 5–10% of your annual rental income for maintenance.
Example:
Monthly rent: $2,000
Annual rent: $24,000
At 6% set-aside: ≈ $1,400 per year for maintenance
That number can fluctuate. Older homes or larger properties—with more bathrooms, yard space, and appliances—will naturally require more attention and money.
Build a Maintenance Reserve
Repairs don’t always happen on a schedule, so keeping a dedicated reserve is crucial.
Overall Rental Reserve: Aim for at least three months of rent saved for all property expenses. If you collect $2,000 per month, keep $6,000 in an emergency fund.
Maintenance-Only Reserve: Keep at least half a month’s rent—about $1,000 on a $2,000 rental—in a separate account specifically for maintenance surprises.
This cushion means you can act quickly when something breaks without disrupting your cash flow.
Why Preparation Pays Off
Preventative measures like regular HVAC service and seasonal inspections help, but you can’t predict every repair. Expect at least some maintenance every six months. Having funds ready ensures you can approve repairs quickly, keep tenants satisfied, and avoid larger, costlier problems from deferred maintenance.
Conclusion
Rental property maintenance isn’t a “maybe”—it’s a guarantee. Plan to spend 5–10% of your annual rent on repairs, and keep at least half a month’s rent in a dedicated maintenance reserve.
At Kuntz Property Group, we help Crestview landlords stay ahead of unexpected costs by coordinating preventative maintenance and quick, professional repairs. If you’d like expert management to protect your investment and your bottom line, reach out for a free rental analysis today or schedule a consultation.
