9 Rental Maintenance Mistakes That Cost Maryland Landlords Time and Money

Owning a rental property in Maryland can be a wise investment, but it also comes with responsibilities—especially when it comes to rental property maintenance. 

Property upkeep doesn’t just affect the value of your rental; it plays a significant role in tenant satisfaction, legal compliance, and long-term profitability. Unfortunately, many landlords make avoidable maintenance mistakes, leading to costly repairs, unhappy tenants, or legal trouble.

Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or just starting out, avoiding common maintenance missteps can help protect your investment, avoid legal issues, and keep your tenants happy. 

Why Maintenance Mistakes Matter

Rental property maintenance is one of the cornerstones of property management. Neglecting it can harm your property, reduce tenant retention, and even lead to lawsuits. Understanding landlord maintenance laws in Maryland is essential to avoid costly violations and ensure tenant safety.

Given its diverse weather patterns, specific landlord-tenant laws, and aging housing stock, Maryland poses challenges for property owners. Understanding these factors enables you to avoid major pitfalls and maintain the profitability of your real estate investments.

Here are 9 common mistakes landlords make when it comes to rental property maintenance. 

Ignoring Preventive Maintenance

One of Maryland landlords’ biggest mistakes is waiting for something to break before fixing it. Preventive maintenance helps you catch minor issues before they turn into expensive problems.

Key preventive maintenance tasks include:

• Annual HVAC inspections and filter replacements
• Seasonal gutter cleaning
• Water heater flushing
• Checking for leaks under sinks or around windows
• Inspecting roofs, especially after storms

From hot, humid summers to cold, snowy winters, Maryland’s changing weather can damage properties. A preventive maintenance schedule ensures you stay ahead of seasonal wear and tear.

Delaying Repairs

Tenants expect prompt responses when something breaks—and for good reason. Delaying repairs can lead to larger issues and tenant dissatisfaction. In Maryland, the law requires landlords to provide habitable living conditions, and failure to act on serious maintenance issues can lead to legal action.

Common delayed repairs that can create significant problems:

• Leaking plumbing can cause mold or structural damage.
• Faulty wiring can pose fire hazards.
• Broken appliances can frustrate tenants and violate lease terms.
• Roof leaks can damage ceilings, walls, and insulation.

A quick response protects your investment and maintains good tenant relations.

Failing to Meet Maryland Rental Compliance Requirements

Maintenance isn’t just about keeping things looking nice—it’s also about following state and local laws. Maryland has strict rules to protect tenants’ health and safety.

Key legal requirements include:

• Providing heat during the winter (at least 65°F from October through April)
• Ensuring running water, electricity, and proper sewage disposal
• Meeting lead paint compliance if the property was built before 1978
• Fixing issues that violate building codes or health ordinances

Understanding and complying with landlord maintenance laws in Maryland helps prevent legal issues and protects both property and tenants.

Skipping Move-In and Move-Out Inspections

Move-in and move-out inspections are your chance to document the property’s condition and avoid disputes over damages.

Benefits of thorough inspections:

• Protect your right to withhold part of the security deposit for damage
• Provide proof of the property’s condition in case of tenant complaints
• Identify maintenance issues early, before they worsen

Always complete a checklist with photos or videos. Have your tenant sign the move-in report so there’s no confusion later.

Underestimating Landscaping and Exterior Maintenance

Your property’s exterior is the first impression tenants and potential renters get. Neglecting landscaping and outdoor maintenance not only diminishes curb appeal but can also create safety hazards.

Tips for overlooked areas

• Schedule Seasonal Landscaping: Keep your yard mowed, shrubs trimmed, and walkways clear of debris. This is especially important during Maryland’s unpredictable winters, where icy walkways can become liability concerns.

• Inspect for Damage: Check for cracks in concrete, loose stairs, or other hazards that could lead to accidents.

• Consider Low-Maintenance Options: Use hardy plants or mulch to reduce landscaping costs while keeping your property visually appealing.

Hiring Unlicensed or Unqualified Contractors

Cutting corners on contractors may seem like a way to save money, but it can lead to bigger problems. In Maryland, landlords are liable for ensuring all maintenance work is safe, legal, and code-compliant—regardless of who performs it.

Risks of using unqualified labor:

• Poor workmanship leads to bigger repairs later
• Code violations and safety hazards
• Voided insurance coverage in case of damage or injury

Ensuring high-quality rental property maintenance in Maryland starts with hiring licensed, experienced contractors who understand state and local codes.

Neglecting Seasonal Maintenance

Maryland’s climate demands special attention during certain times of the year. Overlooking seasonal upkeep can cause severe damage.

Spring and summer tasks:

• Test air conditioning units
• Check for water damage from winter
• Service lawn equipment and clear debris

Fall and winter tasks:

• Inspect and clean chimneys
• Clear gutters and downspouts
• Winterize pipes to prevent freezing
• Ensure heating systems work efficiently

A proactive seasonal maintenance plan helps avoid last-minute emergencies.

Failing to Budget for Maintenance

Unexpected maintenance costs can severely impact your cash flow, especially if you haven’t set money aside for emergencies. This is particularly challenging for new landlords unfamiliar with the actual costs of property upkeep.

Best practice

• Set up a Maintenance Fund: Set aside at least 1% of your property value annually for maintenance. You may need more if your property is older or in a harsher climate.

• Plan for Capital Expenses: Major repairs, such as roof replacements or HVAC upgrades, happen every few years. Keep these timelines in mind to avoid financial strain.

Trying to Manage Maintenance Alone

Managing everything alone can be overwhelming, especially if you own multiple units or have a full-time job. Many landlords in Maryland benefit from hiring a professional property management company.

A good property management company will:

• Handle preventive maintenance and emergency repairs
• Stay up to date on legal requirements
• Keep maintenance records
• Screen and communicate with tenants

This support allows you to enjoy the benefits of rental income without the daily stress of managing property maintenance issues.

Avoiding Maintenance Mistakes Protects Your Bottom Line

Successful rental property management requires more than collecting rent. By avoiding common maintenance mistakes, Maryland landlords can protect their investments, secure long-term tenants, and avoid costly repairs.

Proper property care ensures tenant satisfaction and increases the value of your Maryland rental property over time. Take the time today to review your maintenance practices—your future self (and tenants) will thank you.

If managing this sounds overwhelming, consider partnering with an experienced property management company. Having the right team by your side can make all the difference between stress and success.

Why Maryland Landlords Trust Mainstay Property Management

When it comes to rental property maintenance, experience, consistency, and professionalism make all the difference. At Mainstay Property Management, we understand Maryland property owners, landlords, and real estate investors’ unique needs. From routine inspections to emergency repairs, our team protects your investment and keeps your tenants satisfied.

What sets Mainstay apart?

• Full-Service Maintenance Support: We handle everything from preventive maintenance to 24/7 emergency repair requests.
• Compliance Expertise: We stay current on all Maryland state and local housing regulations, so you won’t have to worry about fines or legal issues.
• Trusted Vendor Network: We work only with licensed, insured, and thoroughly vetted contractors to ensure top-quality work on your property.
• Transparent Communication: With detailed reporting, digital maintenance logs, and responsive tenant support, you’re always in the loop.

Don’t let rental property maintenance mistakes derail your rental income or damage your reputation as a landlord. Mainstay Property Management offers peace of mind, professional service, and the local expertise to keep your Maryland investment property running smoothly year-round.

Ready to take the stress out of property maintenance? Whether you own a single-family home or multiple units, Mainstay provides expert rental property maintenance tailored to your property’s specific needs in Maryland.

Want to learn more about rental property maintenance? Check out this step-by-step guide to rental property inspections.