Why Ignoring Repairs Is a Costly Strategy for Landlords

Did you know that neglecting repairs can quietly sabotage your property’s value, slowly chipping away at your profits… without you even noticing?

For many Adelaide landlords, the temptation to skip maintenance is understandable—after all, why spend money on fixes that don’t bring an immediate return?

But here’s the hard truth: putting off repairs isn’t just a shortcut—it’s a silent profit killer.

As Kate Barnett, Property Management & Managing Director of We Connect Property, points out, “Saving a few dollars today can lead to spending thousands down the track. Proactive maintenance is the key to protecting your investment.”

Here we look at why making sure you’re on top of the maintenance and upkeep of your investment property is so important.

Why do landlords avoid maintenance?

Skipping maintenance can feel like a practical way to save money, especially when you’re juggling tight budgets and faced with rising costs.

But while holding off on those repairs might seem harmless, it’s often just the calm before a storm of bigger, costlier issues.

So why do so many landlords put it off?

Let’s explore some common reasons why landlords defer maintenance:

Cost concerns & cash flow issues

Maintenance and repairs can be expensive, and in today’s economic climate.

With the cost of living edging ever-higher, it’s no wonder that landlords dealing with thin profit margins or unexpected costs—like vacancies, late rent payments or rising mortgage repayments—tend to cut back on repairs.

But cutting corners now often means paying the price later when more significant repairs are necessary.

Short-term financial focus

Focusing on immediate profits instead of long-term property health is another common trap.

Saving a few hundred dollars on maintenance today might seem wise, but it can cost thousands in repairs down the line.

“It’s easy to focus on short-term savings, but the real cost comes when those little problems turn into big, expensive ones,” says Kate.

Lack of immediate ROI

We get it—maintenance doesn’t always feel like a money-maker—you fix something, but your rent doesn’t jump up overnight.

However, this mindset misses the mark; keeping your property in good shape isn’t about instant payback—it’s about long-term savings. Not only does regular maintenance reduce headaches, avoid costly problems and safeguard your investment, a well-maintained property can also reduce vacancy rates, enhance tenant appeal and potentially allow for rent increases over time.

Inexperience or lack of knowledge

Newer landlords, or those juggling a few properties, might not realise the snowball effect of small maintenance issues and the importance of proactive maintenance.

Minor problems, like a leaky tap or peeling paint, can quickly escalate into costly repairs if ignored.

“A little bit of prevention goes a long way,” Kate explains.

“But maintenance isn’t always intuitive. That’s why knowing when to call in the experts is crucial.”

So if you’re new to the landlord game, having the guidance of a professional property manager can be invaluable.

The cost of neglect and its impact on property value

So how does neglected (or worse, ignored) maintenance affect your investment property?

Put bluntly, it can significantly reduce the value of your property.

What might start as a minor fix—like a cracked roof tile or worn-out gutters—can lead to water damage, mould growth and, eventually, expensive structural repairs.

Not only does this affect your bottom line, but it can also put you at odds with your legal responsibilities under South Australian law, which clearly outlines what landlords are responsible for maintaining.

So knowing who’s responsible for what can save you a lot of stress (and cash).

Generally, landlords need to handle structural repairs and essential maintenance, while tenants look after the small stuff, like mowing the lawn and keeping the property tidy.

However, the lines aren’t always clear.

Kate recalls a landlord who assumed a small tap leak was the tenant’s job to fix.

“They ignored it, thinking it was no big deal,” she explains.

“A few months later, they were dealing with water damage in the wall, costly repairs and a tenant compensation claim. Putting off maintenance really isn’t a gamble you want to take.”

How neglected maintenance can have a ripple effect

Well-maintained properties don’t just look good—they feel good to live in.

A property that’s well kept also sends a message: the landlord cares.

Tenants who feel valued are more likely to treat the property with respect—saving you even more on maintenance. They’re also more likely to stick around, meaning fewer vacancies and a more stable rental income.

It’s also worth noting that well-maintained properties often attract better tenants overall, and command higher rents—directly boosting your bottom line.

On the flip side, when tenants are unhappy, turnover increases and incidental damage is often more frequent, which means lost rent, extra advertising or repair costs and the hassle of finding new tenants.

“Tenants pay attention to the condition of a property, and they notice when landlords are on top of repairs,” Kate points out.

“If you’re investing in the home, they’re more likely to invest in staying and look after the place.”

“It’s simple,” she says.

“Keep your property in good shape, and your tenants are more likely to settle in long-term. Everyone wins.”

Boosting property value

It’s important to think of regular upkeep and repairs like insurance for your property—it’s not just about fixing what’s broken; it’s an investment in your property’s future value.

So your best bet is to invest in quality repairs and hire professional trades so that a high standard is maintained.

And don’t forget the power of having an experienced property manager in your corner.

Why? Because having someone to handle maintenance for you means one less thing on your plate.

A good property manager handles everything—from tenant communications and property inspections to coordinating a multitude of trades—ensuring maintenance is done correctly and on time.

Put simply, property managers keep everything running smoothly so landlords can focus on the big picture.

“Think of it as a long-term investment,” Kate suggests.

“Every dollar spent on upkeep and good management is a dollar invested back into your property’s value.

"Putting off repairs—or cutting corners—might feel like an easy way to save money upfront, but it’s a risky strategy that can cost you much more in the long run."

So remember that, by prioritising regular maintenance and addressing repairs before they escalate, you’re not just protecting your property—you’re safeguarding your investment for the long haul.

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As property experts with over 21+ years combined experience in buying, selling and managing property in Adelaide, We Connect Property are ready and waiting to offer expert guidance and support when you need it most, and can answer all your questions about leasing your investment property.

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DISCLAIMER: All recommendations made by We Connect Property are general in nature and not to be relied upon as legal or financial advice. To ensure accuracy, we always strongly recommend seeking independent, professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any investment or financial decisions.