How to Create a Low-Maintenance Rental Property
- Jul 29
- 4 min read
How to Create a Low-Maintenance Rental Property
Managing an investment property can be time-consuming, especially if maintenance issues keep popping up. The more repairs your property requires, the more money and effort you’ll spend addressing them. That’s why savvy investors prioritize low-maintenance rental properties—designed to minimize upkeep while maximizing profitability.
If you want to cut down on headaches and keep your rental running smoothly, here’s how to make your property as low-maintenance as possible.
1. Choose Durable, Easy-to-Clean Materials
Your choice of materials can mean the difference between frequent replacements and long-lasting durability. When selecting finishes for your rental, prioritize durability over aesthetics alone—though ideally, you should balance both.
Flooring: Opt for luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile over carpet, which stains easily and wears out quickly. LVP is water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and looks high-end without the cost.
Countertops: Go for quartz or solid surface countertops instead of laminate or granite. Quartz is stain-resistant, non-porous, and requires no sealing.
Cabinets: Choose thermofoil or plywood cabinets over particleboard, which can swell from moisture—although wood is always king.
Paint: Use semi-gloss or satin finishes for walls—these resist stains and can be wiped down easily. We make it even easier—check out our Pro-Tip below.
Pro-Tip: Want an easier way to approve paint requests? Try our free, landlord-friendly form—any property, any landlord, no logins, no strings.
2. Keep Landscaping Simple & Low-Maintenance
Curb appeal is important, but high-maintenance landscaping can quickly become a burden. To keep things looking great without constant upkeep, opt for low-maintenance landscaping:
Drought-resistant plants: Native plants or succulents require little water and care.
Mulch or rock gardens: These suppress weeds and reduce the need for frequent watering.
Limit grass areas: If possible, replace grass with artificial turf, gravel, or hardscaping.
Install an irrigation system: A drip irrigation system saves water and reduces the need for manual watering.
Pro-Tip: Native plants require less care and water—use the NWF’s Native Plant Finder to find low-maintenance options for your region.
“The best way to keep your rental low-maintenance is to educate tenants on their responsibilities." — G3 Team Insight
3. Install Smart Home Tech to Reduce Service Calls
Smart home devices can help prevent issues before they escalate, saving both you and your tenants time.
Smart leak detectors alert you to leaks before they cause major water damage.
Smart thermostats help maintain HVAC efficiency and prevent excessive wear and tear.
Rekeyable entry systems eliminate the need to replace locks.
Smart lighting & motion sensors reduce energy waste and improve security.
Pro-Tip: Rekeyable locks like Kwikset’s SmartKey allow fast tenant turnover without needing to change hardware.
4. Choose Fixtures & Appliances That Last
Investing in high-quality, energy-efficient appliances and fixtures reduces breakdowns and replacements over time.
Toilets: Install dual-flush or pressure-assisted toilets that use less water and clog less often.
Faucets & Showerheads: Use solid brass or stainless steel fixtures with ceramic disk valves—they last longer and require fewer repairs.
Water Heaters: Consider tankless water heaters for longer lifespans and lower energy costs.
Washer/Dryer: Choose commercial-grade appliances if your rental includes in-unit laundry.
Pro-Tip: When replacing appliances, ENERGY STAR® certified products help reduce utility costs and breakdowns.
5. Set Clear Tenant Expectations for Maintenance
The best way to keep your rental low-maintenance is to educate tenants on their responsibilities. Many maintenance issues arise due to neglect, so set expectations upfront:
Include a maintenance clause in the lease specifying tenant responsibilities.
Provide a maintenance request system so tenants report small issues before they become big problems.
Give tenants basic maintenance tips (e.g., cleaning filters, avoiding drain clogs).
Enforce rules that prevent damage, like prohibiting deep fryers or flushing wipes.
Related: Top 5 Most Overlooked Lease Clauses
Pro-Tip: Set clear expectations on what tenants handle vs. the landlord—this Nolo guide offers a helpful breakdown.
6. Schedule Preventative Maintenance
A proactive approach prevents costly repairs down the road. Set up scheduled inspections and maintenance for key systems:
HVAC: Change filters every 3 months, get annual servicing.
Plumbing: Check for leaks, drain flushing, and water heater maintenance.
Roof & Gutters: Inspect annually to prevent leaks and water damage.
Smoke & CO Detectors: Test and replace batteries regularly... typically a tenant responsiblity, however.
Related: Should You Allow Tenant Upgrades?
7. Hire a Property Manager for Less Hassle
If you want truly hands-off property management, consider hiring a professional. A property manager can:
Handle maintenance requests and service scheduling.
Conduct routine inspections to catch small problems early.
Manage tenant relations to ensure lease compliance.
Use preferred vendors for cost-effective repairs.
Pro-Tip: Check out our hands-off full service property management plans, you'll love what we can do!
Final Thoughts
A low-maintenance rental property isn’t just about reducing costs—it’s about maximizing efficiency, tenant satisfaction, and long-term profitability. Smart material choices, technology, and preventative maintenance strategies can all reduce issues and keep your property running smoothly.
Looking for professional property management to make your rental truly low-maintenance? Let’s talk!
Related: Top 5 Most Overlooked Lease Clauses
Want More?
About the Author Ricardo Reis - Learn About Ricardo
Entrepreneur, Inventor, Investor, Military Veteran. Ricardo is a member of G3 Management & Investments a division of Great Lakes Real Estate and a real estate professional. He is a real estate professional and a successful real estate investor of over 15 years.
NOT INVESTMENT, FINANCIAL, LEGAL, TAX, OR OTHER ADVICE: This blog is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. We do not offer advice, solicitation, recommendations, or endorsements. You are solely responsible for evaluating the information's merits and risks. Always consult a qualified professional before acting.
