Top 5 Maintenance Tips to Preserve Your Property’s Value

In the 2026 Montreal real estate market, your building's condition is the primary driver of its valuation. With the city’s recent By-law 23-016 making it illegal to allow a property to deteriorate, maintenance is no longer just a "best practice"—it is a legal and financial mandate.

At Marsik Management, we’ve seen that proactive owners save an average of 20–30% on long-term capital expenditures compared to those who operate reactively. Here are the top five areas where consistent maintenance yields the highest ROI.intenance, ensuring your property remains in excellent condition.

1. The "Shell" Audit: Roofing and Masonry

Montreal's freeze-thaw cycles are brutal on brickwork and flat roofs. Water that seeps into small cracks during a February thaw can expand and shatter masonry when the temperature drops at night.

• The Tip: Conduct semi-annual inspections of the roof membrane and brick pointing.

• The ROI: Re-pointing a few square feet of brick today costs hundreds; replacing a collapsed "bulging" brick wall next year will cost tens of thousands.

2. HVAC & Energy Efficiency Optimization

Heating is the single largest operating expense for most Montreal buildings. In 2026, an inefficient system is a "cash flow killer."

• The Tip: Service furnaces and heat pumps before the October cold snap.

• The ROI: Beyond lower utility bills, well-maintained systems qualify for Hydro-Québec’s 2026 LogisVert grants, which can reimburse up to $22,000 for high-efficiency mechanical upgrades.

3. Plumbing: The 24/7 Silent Risk

A slow drip in a 1920s Plateau "plex" can lead to structural rot and mold long before it’s visible to the tenant.

• The Tip: Check for visible leaks around fixtures, running toilets, and aging water heaters (usually replaced every 10 years in Quebec for insurance compliance).

• The ROI: Preventing one major water infiltration case saves you from astronomical insurance premiums and potential TAL disputes over "unsanitary conditions."

4. Curb Appeal and Common Areas

First impressions dictate your tenant quality. A well-lit, clean entryway signals that the building is managed with care.

• The Tip: Invest in modern LED exterior lighting and high-quality entry door hardware.

• The ROI: Properties with high "curb appeal" see 15% lower vacancy rates and attract tenants who are more likely to treat the interior of their units with respect.

5. Compliance Documentation (The "Logbook")

Under 2026 regulations, multi-unit buildings must maintain a rigorous Maintenance Logbook.

• The Tip: Document every inspection, from fire extinguisher tags to roof repairs.

• The ROI: A "paper trail" of professional maintenance is a massive asset during a sale. It proves to prospective buyers that the building has no "deferred maintenance" debt, allowing you to command a premium asking price.

Your Property Deserves a Strategy, Not Just a Repair

Reactive maintenance is expensive and stressful. Proactive management creates a "Boutique" experience that encourages long-term residency and preserves your building's capital value for decades to come.

Is your building ready for the next season?

Book a 2026 Property Audit with Marsik Management