Owning a commercial property is a significant investment, but it’s also a responsibility that requires careful attention and considered maintenance.  

Property maintenance extends beyond legalities. A well maintained property directly influences the property’s value, tenant retention and desirability of the property should it need a new tenant. In this blog, we will delve into the importance of maintaining your commercial property, understanding your responsibilities as a landlord, and how Azure can help you meet these requirements efficiently.  

Why you need to maintain your commercial property

The responsibilities of a landlord often vary, depending on what is stipulated in the lease agreement you have with your tenant. This typically includes basic maintenance of the premises (excluding minor repairs or up keep) and compliance with BWOF requirements.

In addition to that, neglecting property maintenance can lead to larger problems and expensive repairs in the future. By proactively addressing both operating expense maintenance needs and also planning long term capital expenditure (CAPEX) , landlords can identify and resolve minor issues before they become major concerns. This helps prevent unbudgeted maintenance repairs or CAPEX works and costly repairs down the line. 

Maintaining a well-functioning and visually appealing commercial property is also crucial for tenant satisfaction and retention. Satisfied tenants are more likely to renew their leases, reducing turnover and the costs associated with finding new tenants. By fostering positive tenant relationships through proactive maintenance, landlords can establish long-term partnerships that contribute to stable rental income and a positive reputation in the market. 

Body Corporate v. Freeholds

It’s also important to understand where your responsibilities lie as a landlord. These can vary depending on whether or not you’re in a body corporate or a freehold: 

In a body corporate setup, common area maintenance is collectively managed by the owners. The collective body maintains common spaces like lobbies, elevators, parking areas, shared amenities and even the roof in some cases. Owners pay regular fees that go towards long term maintenance, as well as operation repairs and maintenance, insurance, and management of communal areas. Maintenance decisions are made through collective meetings from the body corporate committee, and Body Corporate Managers are engaged to execute the necessary tasks based on the consensus. 

Freehold maintenance, however, solely rests on the property landlord. They are responsible for all aspects of property upkeep and can employ their preferred contractors or handle tasks themselves. As the sole decision-maker, the freehold owner can tailor the maintenance schedule and scope to suit their specific needs.  

In many cases, the tenant pays for the repairs and maintenance under there outgoings clause, so the landlord needs to be extremely aware as to whom they engage as the costs need to be fair and reasonable and at market value.  

Key Areas of Property Maintenance

• Exterior Maintenance: Preserving the exterior appeal and functionality of a commercial property is critical. Regular checks and repairs of the facade, windows, doors, and structural elements can help identify damage and potential issues early on. Performing regular landscaping also improves the property’s appeal and aesthetics.Regular roof checks and maintenance can identify damage, leaks, or wear and tear, preventing structural damage and extending the roof’s lifespan. Modern technology, like drone inspections, can improve the efficiency and accuracy of roof maintenance, enabling detailed checks of hard-to-reach areas and aiding in proactive problem identification. Incorporating technology in roof maintenance practices can streamline the process and conserve resource. This is also a safer option for all involved, as no person or contractor needs to access the roof.
• Building Envelope Maintenance: The building envelope, including the roof, walls, and insulation, plays a critical role in protecting the property from external elements. Regular inspections and maintenance of the building envelope help identify and address any issues related to water infiltration, air leaks, or thermal insulation. This ensures energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term durability.
• Interior Maintenance: Regular maintenance of interior spaces provides a functional and comfortable environment for tenants. Regular servicing of the HVAC system ensures optimal performance and energy efficiency. Periodic inspections of electrical and plumbing systems are essential to identify potential hazards and maintain a safe, reliable system.

How Azure can help

Ultimately, maintaining a commercial property is vital, but time-consuming. 

Engaging with experts like Azure takes the pressures of these necessities off of landlords’ busy schedules.  

Using our range of industry knowledge and practical experience to handle maintenance tasks efficiently, we help property owners maintain the value of their properties, retain tenants, and can respond quickly to onsite emergencies.  

With Azure, you have the freedom to focus on other aspects of property ownership without being tied down by day-to-day maintenance issues. 

Get in touch with our team today to see how we can help.