Heating and plumbing service van for landlords

Landlords, property managers, HOA boards and owners of small offices, shops and apartment buildings.

Hourly or flat-rate charges per job plus parts markup. Annual maintenance agreements give steady repeat work and make income more predictable.

• Trade qualifications and hands-on experience in plumbing or HVAC
• Diagnosing faults quickly
• Reliable communication with property managers
• Basic invoicing and scheduling

• State or local trade license, and possibly a contractor bond: rules vary a lot, so check with your state licensing board
• EPA refrigerant handling certification is typically needed to work on cooling systems, so check what applies to you
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire anyone
• Permit requirements for some installs and replacements, so check with your city or county
• Gas, water damage and carbon monoxide risks, so work to code and document your jobs
• Slow-paying commercial clients, so agree payment terms in writing

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the van, tools, insurance and licensing you need. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own vehicle and equipment before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many hours you work, your mix of repairs and maintenance contracts, and your rates. Slow-paying commercial clients can affect cash flow, so agree terms in writing.

Check your state or local trade license, a possible contractor bond, and EPA refrigerant handling certification for cooling work. Also check insurance, permit requirements for some installs, and work to code. Rules vary a lot, so ask your state licensing board.