5 Ways Landlords Can Cut Property Upkeep Costs

Money is usually the main reason people become landlords. Whether you’ve invested savings, taken out a buy-to-let mortgage, or inherited a property, you’ll want solid rental yields now and potential growth in the future. That means treating your property like a business and controlling costs without cutting quality. Tenants should feel at home, and your property should stay protected as a long-term asset. Here are five essential landlord tips to help Tooting landlords reduce upkeep costs and protect their investment.

1. Start With a Survey and Inventory

A strong start saves money later. Get a professional survey done to spot any issues before they become expensive problems. Pair that with a full inventory before tenants move in. This gives you a clear record of the property’s condition and highlights any early repairs.

Quick tip: You can do an inventory yourself, but using a professional service can save time, reduce disputes, and help you spot things you might miss.

2. Choose the Right Tenants - and Be a Great Landlord

Careful tenant selection is one of the best ways to cut rental property maintenance costs. Reliable tenants are more likely to pay rent on time, treat the place with respect, and alert you early if something’s wrong. But it works both ways  - being a responsive, fair landlord encourages tenants to stay longer and look after the property.

Quick tip: Be easy to contact and act quickly on repairs. Showing that you care goes a long way.

Read more about how we can help you find reliable tenants.

3. Set Clear Expectations

Clear communication at the start prevents problems later. Outline what you expect from tenants in terms of upkeep, reporting maintenance issues, and how to handle small day-to-day tasks.

Quick tip: When tenants report a problem, give a clear idea of how and when it will be handled. Certainty builds trust.

4. Fix Problems Fast - Without Cutting Corners

Tackle repairs quickly to stop small issues snowballing. Trying to save money with cheap fixes or unqualified contractors can backfire and cost more in the long run.

Quick tip: Keep a log of repairs and build a list of trusted tradespeople you can call on when needed. It will make managing property upkeep costs much simpler.

5. Consider Full Property Management

If you’d rather not handle everything yourself, let a local property management agency take care of it. At Your Home Managed, we specialise in property management in Tooting, handling repairs, maintenance, and tenant queries so you don’t have to.

Quick tip: If you choose a Tooting letting agent to manage your property, make sure you know exactly what’s included in their service so there are no surprises.

Explore our full range of landlord services in Tooting.

Keeping costs under control takes planning and consistency - but getting it right early on saves a lot of stress and expense later. We’d love to help. We’re local property management experts at Your Home Managed.

Call us on 0208 125 7780, email info@yourhomemanaged.com, or get in touch with us to talk with our friendly team.

In the meantime, we’ve answered your common questions about reducing landlord upkeep costs.

FAQs About Reducing Landlord Upkeep Costs

How often should I inspect my rental property?

Once or twice a year is ideal. Regular inspections help you catch small problems early before they turn into big repair bills.

Are professional inventories worth paying for?

Yes. They give you a solid record of the property’s condition, which can prevent disputes when tenants move out and save you money on damage claims.

What’s the biggest upkeep mistake landlords make?

Delaying repairs. Small issues often become expensive if they’re ignored.

Can I manage the property myself to save money?

You can, but only if you have the time to stay on top of maintenance, tenant queries, and legal requirements. If not, a property management service in Tooting can often save you money long term.

How do I find good tenants?

Screen them thoroughly - run credit checks, ask for references, and trust your instincts at viewings. Good tenants tend to reduce wear and tear and report issues quickly.