Seasonal Maintenance – Exterior
One of the most important winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners is taking care of any exterior damage that may have occurred over the summer. This may include fixing cracks in windows or doors, replacing broken shingles on the roof, and repairing damaged siding.
Other important exterior maintenance tasks include:
- empty any debris from the gutters and downspouts
- test and fix outdoor lighting
- cover intake vents with screens to block rodents
- clean and organize outdoor furniture and grills
- drain hoses and sprinkler systems and neatly put hoses in a shed or garage
- scrub and inspect all fireplaces and chimneys
Seasonal Maintenance – Interior
In addition, there are several maintenance tasks that rental property owners should perform indoors. The most crucial factor is making sure your property is adequately insulated throughout the winter months. This can entail inspecting and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows to minimize drafts, adding insulation in attics and basements, and insulating pipes to stop them from freezing during periods of extreme cold.
Other important interior maintenance tasks involve:
- detach and store any window-mounted AC units
- service your HVAC system and guarantee it’s in good working order
- reverse the direction of the ceiling fans, or give your renters instructions for how to do it (counterclockwise is best for cooler weather)
- examine the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Ongoing Winter Maintenance
In addition to seasonal maintenance, there are a few ongoing winter maintenance tasks that rental property owners need to keep well-informed about.
For instance, if your rental property is situated in a region that has snow in winter, you will have the ongoing duty of routinely clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps. Utilize the appropriate shovels or plowing service to be prepared for snow removal. Additionally, have bags of snow melt, salt, or sand available to help keep walkways clear of ice.
In regions with heavy snow or freezes, it’s crucial to routinely inspect your rental’s roof and gutters for ice dams and snow damage. Repeated cycles of thawing and freezing water can ruin a roof and result in flooding or other water damage. Keep a watchful eye on your property in winter weather and, if required, employ a professional to assess and restore your roof straight away to avoid spending money on expensive emergency repairs.
Make sure the furnace filter is cleaned every three months (or more frequently, as needed), and advise your tenants to keep interior doors open as additional ongoing maintenance measures 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 want more winter maintenance ideas for rental property owners, it’s crucial to consult with a professional who is familiar with the particular requirements of rental homes. Partnering with an experienced Yardley property management company like Real Property Management Prosperity can help ensure your rental property stays in top condition throughout the winter and beyond. Contact us online today to learn more!