---
title: "Maintenance and CapEx Strategy for Rentals | Ondo RE"
canonical: https://www.ondorealestate.com/blog/maintenance-capex-strategy/
---

# Maintenance and CapEx Strategy for Rentals

Plan the lifecycle, protect the NOI.

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Educational

ONDO Team·Published December 10, 2025·1 min read

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On this page

- [Reserve Policy](#reserve-policy)
- [Lifecycle Intervals (Typical)](#lifecycle-intervals-typical)
- [Playbook](#playbook)
- [Utah Lens](#utah-lens)
- [Takeaway](#takeaway)
Maintenance isn’t a cost center; it’s asset preservation. Here’s a lifecycle plan that keeps NOI stable and tenants happy.

## Reserve Policy

- Operating reserve: 3–6 months of expenses.
- CapEx reserve: 1–1.5% of property value per year (older stock toward 2%).
- Separate accounts; don’t co-mingle.

## Lifecycle Intervals (Typical)

- Roof: 20–25 yrs (snow/UV can shorten). HVAC: 12–15 yrs. Water heater: 8–12 yrs.
- Paint/carpet: 3–7 yrs depending on turnover.
- Appliances: 7–10 yrs; standardize SKUs to simplify replacements.

## Playbook

- Quarterly: filters, minor leaks, GFCIs, exterior walk.
- Annual: roof/attic check, HVAC service, caulking/weatherproofing.
- Per-turn: paint touch-up, deep clean, safety devices, photo doc.

## Utah Lens

Freeze-thaw cycles stress roofs and concrete; HVAC strain in inversions. Build inspections around seasons.

## Takeaway

Reserve well, schedule proactively, and standardize parts. You’ll cut downtime and stabilize returns.

On this page

- [Reserve Policy](#reserve-policy)
- [Lifecycle Intervals (Typical)](#lifecycle-intervals-typical)
- [Playbook](#playbook)
- [Utah Lens](#utah-lens)
- [Takeaway](#takeaway)

## Keep going

[Property management What Ondo RE manages, what it costs, and how owners are kept informed.](/property-management/)[Self-manage vs Ondo RE calculator Compare your net income managing it yourself against handing it over.](/calculators/owner-vs-self/)[Talk with Ondo RE Ask a question or request a free rental analysis.](/contact/)

## What to do next

Questions about your own property or plan? Ondo RE can walk through it with you.

[See Ondo RE property management](/property-management/)[Self-manage vs Ondo RE calculator](/calculators/owner-vs-self/)[Talk with Ondo RE](/contact/)

Real estate services provided by Ondo Real Estate. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Equal Housing Opportunity.