Seasonal Maintenance – Exterior
Among the most important winter maintenance chores for rental property owners are to resolve any exterior damage that may have happened over the summer. This could mean mending cracks in windows or doors, replacing cracked shingles on the roof, and repairing damaged siding.
Other important exterior maintenance tasks include:
- tidy up any debris from the gutters and downspouts
- check and repair outdoor lighting
- cover intake vents with screens to keep pests out
- wash and store outdoor furniture and grills
- drain hoses and sprinkler systems and store hoses neatly in a shed or garage
- clean and inspect all fireplaces and chimneys
Seasonal Maintenance – Interior
Moreover, there are many maintenance tasks that rental property owners should do indoors. The most important task is to ensure that your property is properly insulated throughout the winter months. This can involve inspecting and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts, placing insulation in attics and basements, and insulating pipes to prevent them from freezing during periods of extreme cold.
Other important interior maintenance tasks are:
- detach and store any window-mounted AC units
- service your HVAC system and check if it’s in good working order
- reverse the direction of the ceiling fans, or inform your renters how to do it (counterclockwise is best for cooler weather)
- take a look at the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Ongoing Winter Maintenance
On top of seasonal maintenance, there are a few ongoing winter maintenance tasks that rental property owners should stay on top of.
For example, if your rental property is in an area that experiences snow in winter, a critical (ongoing) responsibility for you is frequently clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps. Don’t forget to bring the right shovels or plowing service to be ready for snow removal. Moreover, have bags of snow melt, salt, or sand nearby to help keep walkways clear of ice.
In places with heavy snow or freezes, it’s necessary to monitor your rental’s roof and gutters regularly for ice dams and snow damage. Repeated cycles of thawing and freezing water can damage a roof and cause flooding or other water damage. Keep a close eye on your property in winter weather, so you don’t have to pay for expensive emergency repairs. If your roof needs to be checked and fixed right away, hire a professional.
Make sure the furnace filter is changed every three months (or more often if required), and ask your tenants to keep interior doors open. These are both ongoing maintenance tasks that can help improve the efficiency of your rental property’s HVAC system. This can help warm air circulate more effectively and keep the indoor air free from common pollutants.
If you are searching for additional winter maintenance pointers for rental property owners, it’s vital to consult with a professional who knows the particular needs of rental homes. The assistance of an experienced La Crescenta property management company like Real Property Management Vision can help you guarantee your rental property stays in perfect condition throughout the winter and beyond. Contact us online today to learn more!