Having a rental property in Dhaka can be a great investment, but it also comes with responsibilities as a landlord beyond the collection of rent. One of those responsibilities, and one of your most important priorities, is maintenance and repairs. The investment in keeping your flat in good condition will not only make tenants happier to live there, but it will maintain the long-term value of your property in the long run.
Our work with property owners across Dhaka at BestBari has helped us recognize many of the common difficulties landlords have. In this piece, we will cover general principles of maintenance and repairs and offer tips to save you costly mistakes.
Why Maintenance Matters for Landlords
1 Preserves Property Value
 It may seem insignificant at the time, but ignoring something small may result in very costly repairs down the road. For example, a small leak that is not repaired, can create damage to walls and floors, and even structural issues to the building itself.
2 Makes Tenants Happy
 Happy tenants are much more likely to renew their lease. Addressing maintenance issues immediately shows that you are professional and builds trust with your tenants.
3 Protected by Law
 In Bangladesh, rental agreements typically require landlords to make sure their property is safe and habitable. Not making repairs may lead to disputes and other legal issues.
Types of Maintenance Landlords Should Know
1. Include Clear Terms in the Rental Agreement
A rental agreement that is detailed should define:
Who is responsible for what repair
When an entity is tasked with responding to a report
When a person will acknowledge carelessness or damage to property
This prevents confusion between you and your tenant.
2. Set Aside a Maintenance BudgeÂ
It is commonly suggested that you estimate 1–2% of the value of the property annually for maintenance. For example, if the value of your flat is Tk. 1 crore, you need to allocate for squash maintenance Tk. 1–2 lakh each year.
 3. Build a Network of Reliable Contractors
Having trustworthy electricians, plumbers, and handymen will help you if and when something goes wrong, because you will not have to search for one trustable contractor. You might want to explore signing a service contract with a contractor for practised maintenance issues such as generator servicing or pest control.
4. Conduct Regular Inspections
Organize inspections for your rental property at least every six months. At this interval you’ll be able to catch issues before they become major problems. Notice your tenants of the inspections ahead of time, and be sure to document their inspection reports.
5. Respond Promptly to Tenant Requests
Long waits for repairs make for angry and upset tenants, and bad publicity for you as a landlord. Make sure as a landlord you try to respond quickly to requests, even if actually fixing the issue takes some amount of time.
Balancing Costs as a Landlord
Certain landlords are reluctant to spend any money on maintenance, believing that they are saving money in the long run. Unfortunately, this delaying or neglecting maintenance will only increase future costs. Here are a few ways to effect savings in property maintenance:
Always review the safety-related repairs first (gas, electricity, water).
Choose quality repairs and don’t go for the cheap option; typically it is short-lived and requires to be repaired again.
Time repairs and renovations (paint, flooring, upgrades to plumbing) around tenant changeovers to keep those tenants and the tenant after them happy.
Review the service charges if you live in a gated community to make sure you are not paying excess for maintenance.
Handling Disputes with Tenants
Disputes may arise over payment for repairs, even when a clear agreement is established. To help prevent disputes:
Keep conversation above board and professional.Â
Invoicing receipts and showing Proof of cost of repairs.
Use your rental agreement as a reference.
If it escalates beyond mediation, then seek an attorney or legal process.
When to Consider Property Management Services
If you own multiple flats or live abroad, managing maintenance can become overwhelming. In such cases, hiring a property management service can be a smart option. These services handle:
- Routine and emergency repairs
- Rent collection
- Tenant communication
- Property inspections
BestBari can connect you with trusted property management professionals in Dhaka to simplify your landlord responsibilities.
Final Thoughts
Being a landlord in Dhaka is more than just collecting rent—it is about providing a safe and well-maintained home for your tenants, while safeguarding the value of your investment. By allocating funds for maintenance, responding quickly to repair requests from your tenants, and setting clear and reasonable expectations in the lease agreements, you can avoid conflicts and enhance the long-term value of your property.
At BestBari, we’ll help you as a landlord or tenant with trustworthy insights and connections related to property. Whether your renting a flat in Gulshan or managing multiple apartments in Bashundhara, we would like to support your success in real estate in Dhaka.
Post your flat today on BestBari.com and gain reliable tenants who value well-maintained properties.
