Introduction
In the competitive Vancouver rental market, owning a property is only half the equation — maintaining it is where real success lies.
Rental property maintenance in Vancouver isn’t just about fixing what’s broken. It’s about protecting your investment, keeping tenants satisfied, and avoiding costly legal issues down the line. Yet, many landlords — especially new ones — underestimate just how complex and time-sensitive proper maintenance can be.
In this blog, we’ll uncover 7 common maintenance mistakes that Vancouver landlords make — and more importantly, how to avoid them. Whether you’re managing your first rental or your tenth, this guide will help you stay ahead of the curve in 2025.
Mistake 1: Reactive Maintenance Instead of Preventive Maintenance
Too many landlords wait until something breaks before taking action.
This approach might seem cost-effective in the short term, but reactive maintenance can quickly snowball into emergency repairs, tenant complaints, and costly downtime. In a city like Vancouver, where real estate is high-stakes, even a few days of vacancy or a plumbing emergency can burn through your profit margin.
Solution:
Build a preventive maintenance schedule. Regularly inspect HVAC systems, plumbing, roofing, and appliances. Create a digital calendar (we recommend using tools like Google Calendar or Property Meld) and set recurring reminders for seasonal checks. This simple habit can save thousands in repairs and extend the life of your property’s infrastructure.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Legal Maintenance Requirements
British Columbia’s tenancy laws are clear — landlords must keep rental units in good repair and ensure the property meets health, safety, and housing standards.
Failing to meet these obligations doesn’t just upset tenants — it can lead to fines, lawsuits, or forced eviction refunds via the Residential Tenancy Branch.
Solution:
Familiarize yourself with BC’s Residential Tenancy Act and keep updated on city-specific bylaws (Vancouver often has unique requirements related to heating, water pressure, and pest control). If you manage multiple units, it’s wise to hire a licensed property manager like Bolld Real Estate Management to ensure full compliance.
Mistake 3: Poor Vendor Selection for Repairs
Hiring the cheapest contractor might save a few dollars upfront, but it often leads to substandard work, delays, and repeat issues.
In a city like Vancouver, where skilled trades are in high demand, cutting corners on repair quality almost always leads to regret.
Solution:
Vet vendors thoroughly. Ask for licensing, insurance, WCB coverage, and at least 2 local references. Better yet, work with a property management company that already has a trusted network of pre-approved vendors — often at discounted bulk rates.
We’ve covered the first three — and possibly most damaging — mistakes landlords make with rental property maintenance in Vancouver. But there’s more to come.
Mistake 4: Delaying Small Repairs Until They Become Big Ones
One of the most common — and costly — errors landlords make is ignoring minor issues.
A small roof leak, loose bathroom tile, or strange sound from the furnace might not feel urgent. But in Vancouver’s wet climate, a two-day drip can quickly turn into structural water damage, mold infestations, or tenant complaints that lead to early lease terminations.
Delays aren’t just inconvenient — they’re expensive.
How to Avoid It:
Treat every repair as a priority. Even minor issues should be logged and addressed within 24–72 hours. If you’re not local, hire a management company with an on-call team. Fast response builds tenant trust — and protects your property from unnecessary deterioration.
Mistake 5: Weak Communication with Tenants About Maintenance
Landlords often assume their tenants will automatically report issues. But in many cases, tenants hesitate to complain — either because they’re unsure how to report problems or fear retaliation.
This communication gap leads to hidden problems, unresolved maintenance, and a slow decline in the property’s condition.
How to Avoid It:
Build a simple, transparent maintenance reporting system. This can be:
- A digital tenant portal
- A dedicated WhatsApp number or email
- A branded Google Form
Also, respond professionally and follow up after every maintenance request. Tenants are more likely to care for a property when they know their concerns are taken seriously. Good communication = longer leases and better reviews.
Mistake 6: Doing DIY Repairs Without Proper Training
We get it — everyone wants to save money. But DIY repairs in a rental property can often lead to:
- Code violations
- Unsafe installations
- Voided warranties
- Insurance problems
Vancouver’s housing code is strict. Incorrect electrical, plumbing, or HVAC repairs done without permits or certified tradespeople can create legal liabilities and lead to inspection failures.
How to Avoid It:
Leave it to the pros. You’re not just managing a home — you’re managing a legal asset. Partner with certified trades or delegate to a property management team that’s already equipped with licensed professionals and bulk maintenance packages.
Mistake 7: Not Budgeting for Annual Maintenance
Many landlords underestimate the real annual cost of upkeep. As a result, they’re hit with unexpected expenses and either delay work or cut corners.
But the truth is — rental properties in Vancouver demand regular investment, especially with rising costs of materials and labour in BC.
How to Avoid It:
Follow the 1% rule: Set aside at least 1% of your property’s value annually for maintenance. For a $750,000 unit in Vancouver, that’s $7,500 per year — or about $625/month. This doesn’t mean you’ll spend it all — but having it ready will prevent emergencies from draining your savings.
You can also work with a property manager to create a custom maintenance reserve plan with predictable monthly payments.
How Professional Property Management Solves These Problems
All the mistakes we discussed — from ignoring routine maintenance to skipping tenant communication — stem from overwhelm, distance, or lack of systems.
This is where a professional property management company like Bolld makes all the difference.
Let’s explore how:
1. Preventive Maintenance Scheduling
At Bolld, we don’t wait for problems. We use a preventive maintenance calendar customized for each unit. This includes:
- Bi-annual inspections
- Seasonal HVAC tune-ups
- Plumbing checks before winter
- Roof/gutter reviews before rainy seasons
By catching issues early, we help our clients avoid emergency repairs and extend the lifespan of every asset.
2. Reliable Vendor Network
Finding skilled, licensed trades in Vancouver is tough — and expensive if you don’t have volume deals.
We’ve already built long-term relationships with:
- Licensed electricians
- Certified HVAC professionals
- 24/7 plumbers
- Appliance techs
This allows us to pass on negotiated pricing, faster service, and better results to our clients.
No YouTube tutorials. No risky handyman hacks. Just code-compliant, efficient repairs.
3. Transparent Communication Channels
We create dedicated maintenance portals for every tenant. Tenants can submit requests with:
- A photo/video of the issue
- Preferred time slots
- Level of urgency
Our team responds within 24 hours, and keeps both the tenant and landlord in the loop through real-time updates.
This builds tenant trust and reduces move-out rates — because renters stay where they feel heard and cared for.
4. Real-Time Maintenance Reporting
Bolld’s online platform gives landlords access to:
- Open and closed maintenance tickets
- Vendor invoices
- Repair timelines
- Before/after photos
No guessing. No chasing updates. You always know what’s happening with your unit.
5. Custom Budgeting and Reserve Planning
Emergency repairs ruin cash flow. We solve this by helping you plan your maintenance budget in advance.
Every landlord receives:
- An annual maintenance projection
- Monthly contribution breakdowns
- Forecasted asset replacement timelines
With this, our clients avoid financial surprises and make smarter long-term investment decisions.
6. Peace of Mind for Remote Owners
Whether you live in Toronto, Los Angeles, or overseas — Bolld handles everything on the ground in Vancouver.
That means:
- You don’t have to coordinate repairs from afar
- You don’t need to vet vendors or track invoices
- You don’t have to stress when your tenant texts at midnight
We manage your property like it’s our own — so you can focus on scaling your portfolio or enjoying your passive income.
Final Thoughts: Maintenance Is Asset Protection
Maintenance isn’t an expense — it’s a protection strategy.
When you neglect it, you invite:
- Higher turnover
- Lower resale value
- Negative tenant reviews
- Potential lawsuits
But when you treat maintenance as part of your investment model, you:
- Extend your property’s life
- Maximize rental income
- Reduce vacancy and stress
- Increase tenant satisfaction
That’s the Bolld difference.
Ready to Let Go of the Maintenance Headache?
Partnering with Bolld means you never have to:
- Chase tenants for repair requests
- Worry about seasonal issues
- Handle emergency calls at 2am
Let us handle your maintenance like a pro, so your property keeps earning — and you keep thriving.
🔗 Learn more about our full-service property management in Vancouver