Maintenance for Austin rentals and ADUs

The turnover checklist

Between tenants or between guests, five minutes of checking prevents most of the calls.

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested, batteries dated.
• HVAC filter changed and the condensate line clear.
• Under-sink and water-heater areas checked for moisture.
• Caulk in showers and around tubs intact.
• Exterior locks, lighting and gate hardware working.

Quarterly, on one visit

Bundling the main house and the ADU into a single quarterly visit is what makes this economical.

• Water heater inspection and annual flush.
• Dryer vent clearing, which matters more with heavy rotation.
• Gutter and drainage check.
• Appliance service items and disposal check.
• Small punch-list repairs before they become complaints.

Document every visit

Dated photos and written notes protect you in a deposit dispute, support insurance claims, and make it obvious which unit is consuming the budget. For short-term rentals, that record is also your defense when a guest reports a pre-existing issue as new damage.

Questions we get

Who is responsible for maintenance in a Texas rental?

Texas property code requires landlords to repair conditions that materially affect health or safety after proper notice. Preventive maintenance is not required by law, but it is what keeps those conditions from occurring.

How often should a rental get preventive maintenance?

Quarterly works for most Austin properties, with turnover checks in between. Short-term rentals with constant rotation benefit from a monthly light pass.

Can one visit cover the main house and the ADU?

Yes, and it should. Combining them is significantly cheaper than booking separate trips, and it keeps both buildings on the same schedule.

Keep reading

• The appliance maintenance nobody does · Appliances
• Catching leaks before they cost you · Plumbing
• Decks, patios and outdoor kitchens in Austin · Exterior