What Should I Expect Regarding Yearly Maintenance Costs?
Historically, our long-term average sits around 10% of gross rent even after 2020’s cost increases. As inflation remains entrenched in 2025, maintenance costs are trending upward industry-wide — but our systems and partnerships continue to outperform the market by a wide margin.
Our Maintenance Track Record
Based on years of data and industry comparison, we can say with confidence that our clients experience some of the lowest maintenance costs in the industry.
On average, our owners spend roughly 2–3% of gross annual rent on maintenance — compared to an industry standard closer to 10%. Most seasoned investors still budget 10% annually for planning purposes (a wise approach), but our goal is to beat that benchmark every year, and we routinely succeed.
Of course, every property is unique. Homes with deferred maintenance, aging systems, or neglected updates will naturally have higher costs, but our management consistently keeps long-term averages dramatically below market norms.
The Most Common Expenses
The majority of major repair costs come from just a few areas:
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HVAC systems (air conditioning and heating)
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Appliances
It’s rare to repair a heating or cooling system for under $300, and those issues tend to surface every few years — unless an outdated unit is continually serviced instead of replaced.
Appliance repairs can also be tricky: repair costs often approach the price of a quality used replacement. We’ve tested nearly every vendor in our markets and have yet to find an appliance company that charges under $75 per service call, which makes repair-versus-replace decisions case-specific.
Whenever possible, we source reliable used appliances (excluding refrigerators and dishwashers) and typically secure short-term warranties to protect against early failure.
Keeping Costs Low
We rarely need to call expensive specialists like electricians, plumbers, or roofers. Instead, we rely on high-quality handymen for most repairs — saving owners hundreds of dollars per incident while maintaining excellent workmanship.
This approach makes our job more complex, but it’s a cornerstone of how we keep expenses so low.
Turnover & Preventative Work
Minor turnover costs — cleaning, touch-up paint, and small repairs between residents — are included in our maintenance averages. Our low turnover rate and exceptional contractors help minimize these expenses.
Preventative maintenance and upgrades are not reflected in those figures, as they are highly subjective and vary by owner preference. When it comes to larger projects or renovations, our contractors offer extremely competitive pricing, but due to the personal nature of upgrades, we expect owners to communicate directly and often pay contractors themselves.
The Big Picture
Historically, our long-term average sits around 10% of gross rent even after 2020’s cost increases. As inflation remains entrenched in 2025, maintenance costs are trending upward industry-wide — but our systems and partnerships continue to outperform the market by a wide margin.
In short:
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Budget 10% annually for planning
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Expect 2–5% with MoveZen’s management
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Be prepared for higher costs when major systems reach end-of-life
We can’t eliminate maintenance costs — but we can ensure you’re spending intelligently, not excessively.