Exterior and grounds upkeep for landlords
Keep rental and investment properties tidy outside: gutters, pressure washing, fences, lawns and rubbish removal.
- A$2k-9k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
Routine outdoor upkeep for properties: gutter cleaning, pressure washing paths and decks, minor fence and gate repairs, garden tidy-ups and removing rubbish between tenancies.
Your first three steps
- Get an ABN, public liability insurance and a trailer or ute for equipment and waste
- Photograph before-and-after jobs and put together a simple price list
- Ask local property managers to add you to their approved contractor list
Who pays
Landlords, property managers, body corporates and owners of small commercial buildings.
How it makes money
Fixed price per visit or per job, or a regular monthly fee for ongoing upkeep of several properties.
Skills that help
- Physical fitness and comfort outdoors
- Using pressure washers and basic power tools
- Route planning and reliability
Watch out for
- Check council rules on green waste and rubbish disposal and tip fees
- Safe work at heights when cleaning gutters, and ladder safety
- Public liability insurance, and workers compensation if you hire
- Some work such as tree removal may need specific qualifications or council approval, check locally
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: exterior and grounds upkeep for landlords
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a property exterior upkeep business?
Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on equipment such as pressure washers and ladders, plus your vehicle and insurance. These are estimates, so price your gear against the services you plan to offer.
How much can a grounds and exterior upkeep business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many hours you work, your rates and how many regular clients you build. This is an estimate and will vary with demand in your area.
What rules should I check before starting exterior upkeep work?
Check council rules on green waste, rubbish disposal and tip fees. Also check safe work at heights and ladder safety, public liability insurance, and whether work such as tree removal needs specific qualifications or council approval locally.
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