Common Maintenance Issues in Houston Rentals (And How to Handle Them)

Being a landlord in Houston comes with its perks—strong rental demand, solid appreciation potential, and one of the most landlord-friendly legal environments in the country. But every property, no matter how new or well-maintained, will eventually need repairs. That’s why understanding the most common maintenance issues in Houston rentals is key to protecting your investment and keeping tenants happy.

At Advantage Asset Management (AAM), we help landlords across the region stay ahead of property issues with proactive service and fast, reliable fixes. Here’s what every Houston landlord should expect—and how to prepare.

1. Roofing Leaks and Storm Damage

Houston’s climate brings intense heat, humidity, and seasonal storms, all of which can take a toll on a roof.

Common roofing issues include:

Leaks after heavy rain
Shingle damage from wind or hail
Clogged gutters causing water backup
Aging or cracked flashing around chimneys and vents

What landlords should do:

Schedule annual roof inspections (ideally before storm season)
Use roofing contractors familiar with Houston building codes
Ensure gutters and downspouts are cleared regularly

Tip: Timely roofing maintenance not only protects your structure—it helps prevent costly water damage to ceilings, walls, and insulation. While most owners do not think about their roof, doing a yearly tune-up will prevent those small problems from becoming larger problems… especially with older roofs.

2. HVAC System Breakdowns

With summer highs consistently over 90°F, tenants in Houston rely heavily on air conditioning. HVAC issues are not only inconvenient—they can quickly become emergency maintenance situations.

Most frequent HVAC complaints include:

AC not cooling effectively
Refrigerant leaks
Thermostat malfunctions
Dirty filters and coils

What landlords should do:

Provide biannual HVAC servicing (spring and fall)
Respond quickly to tenant reports—especially during summer
Encourage tenants to replace air filters monthly (or include in your maintenance package)

Reminder: Texas property code requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions. A failed HVAC system during a heatwave may violate that standard.

3. Plumbing Problems

Houston’s soil composition and older infrastructure can contribute to plumbing challenges in both old and newer homes.

Common plumbing maintenance issues:

Slow drains or backups
Leaky faucets or pipes
Toilet clogs and running toilets
Water heater failures

Pro tip for landlords:

Always use licensed plumbers, especially for anything beyond minor repairs
Install low-flow faucets and showerheads to reduce wear and save on water bills
Replace older water heaters proactively around year 8–10 to avoid emergencies

4. Handy Man Repairs & Cosmetic Fixes

Wear-and-tear issues can affect tenant satisfaction—and may turn into lease violations if neglected.

Landlords in Houston should expect to handle:

Loose door handles or cabinet hinges
Minor drywall damage or nail holes
Blinds, locks, or appliance knobs
Fence, gate, and deck repairs due to sun exposure and shifting soil

What to do:

Schedule a seasonal handyman walk-through
Offer same-day fixes for minor repairs to show responsiveness
Keep a trusted handyman or Houston property maintenance team on-call

At AAM, we always do inspections at move-in and move-out and even in between with multi year tenants. While costs will likely never be at zero, this routine check helps prevent those big maintenance surprises from occurring.

5. Pest Control

Houston’s warm, humid environment makes it a hotspot for:

Roaches
Ants
Mosquitoes
Rodents (especially in older properties)

Preventive pest control treatments and sealing up entry points are key to avoiding infestations and tenant complaints.

Why Work with a Houston Property Management Company?

Managing maintenance can be time-consuming and expensive—especially when vendors charge emergency rates or tenants wait too long to report issues.

At Advantage Asset Management (AAM), we take pride in offering in-house maintenance services—including roofing, handyman repairs, and HVAC expertise—to better support our property owners. By keeping these critical services under our direct oversight, we’re able to provide exceptional service quality at rates well below market averages. This level of control allows us to respond faster, maintain higher standards, and pass those savings and efficiencies directly to our clients. It’s just one more way AAM delivers reliable, cost-effective Houston property management.

At Advantage Asset Management, our full-service property management in Houston includes:

Preventive maintenance scheduling (HVAC, roofing, plumbing)
On-call handyman and contractor network
Emergency repairs handled 24/7
Detailed maintenance records and tenant communication

We keep your rental running efficiently—while protecting its long-term value.

Want to Stop Worrying About Repairs?

Talk to a Houston Property Management Expert

Get a Free Property Maintenance and Rental Assessment

Let us handle the headaches—so you can focus on returns, not repairs.

FAQ

How often should landlords inspect roofs in Houston rentals?

At minimum, once a year before hurricane/storm season. If your roof is over 10 years old or you’ve had recent hail or wind events, consider a mid‑year check as well.

What steps does AAM take to minimize HVAC breakdowns in summer?

We provide biannual professional tune‑ups (spring/fall), replace filters on a monthly schedule, and deploy 24/7 emergency HVAC support so tenants stay cool even during peak heat waves.

How does Advantage Asset Management handle plumbing maintenance?

We dispatch licensed plumbers for all repairs, perform quarterly drain‑cleaning treatments to prevent backups, and proactively replace aging water heaters around year 8–10 to avoid sudden failures.

Can a property management company handle small repairs and cosmetic fixes?

Absolutely. Our in‑house handyman team tackles everything from drywall patching and loose door handles to fence repairs—often same‑day—so minor issues never become tenant headaches.

What’s the easiest way to track and schedule routine maintenance?

Use a digital calendar or property‑management software with recurring reminders for roof inspections, HVAC servicing, pest control, and handyman visits.

How can landlords encourage tenants to report small maintenance issues?

Provide a simple, centralized reporting method (online portal or dedicated email/phone) and assure tenants that minor fixes are handled promptly to prevent bigger problems.

Should landlords own or rent specialized maintenance equipment?

For infrequent tasks (e.g., power washing, drain snakes), renting is usually more cost‑effective. Keep common‑use tools (ladders, basic plumbing kit) on hand for quick DIY checks.

What budget percentage should landlords set aside for annual maintenance?

A good rule of thumb is 1–2% of the property’s value per year to cover routine upkeep and minor repairs before they become costly emergencies.

What should I do if my tenant says the AC isn’t cooling?

First confirm the thermostat is set correctly. Then check for a clogged filter. If those aren’t the issue, call an EPA‑certified HVAC technician to diagnose refrigerant or compressor problems.

How can landlords reduce plumbing emergencies?

Schedule annual plumbing inspections, install hair‑and‑grease traps on drains, encourage tenants not to flush non‑flushables, and replace aging water heaters around year 8–10.