Seasonal Maintenance – Exterior
Addressing any exterior damage that may have occurred during the summer is one of the most critical winter maintenance responsibilities for rental property owners. This may involve fixing cracks in windows or doors, replacing missing shingles on the roof, and replacing damaged siding.
Other important exterior maintenance tasks include:
- cleaning debris from the gutters and downspouts
- inspect and replace outdoor lighting
- cover intake vents with screens to prevent rats’ entry
- clean and store outdoor furniture and grills
- drain hoses and sprinkler systems and keep hoses nicely in a shed or garage
- wash and evaluate all fireplaces and chimneys
Seasonal Maintenance – Interior
Also, there are several maintenance tasks that rental property owners should undertake indoors. The most critical thing is ensuring that your property is correctly insulated throughout the winter months. This can incorporate checking and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts, putting insulation in attics and basements, and insulating pipes to protect them from freezing during periods of extreme cold.
Other important interior maintenance tasks involve:
- removing and storing any window-mounted AC units
- service your HVAC system and make sure it is in good working order
- reverse the direction of the ceiling fans, or give your renters guidelines on how to do it (counterclockwise is ideal for cooler weather)
- test the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Ongoing Winter Maintenance
Besides seasonal maintenance, there are a couple of ongoing winter maintenance tasks that rental property owners need to be mindful of.
For illustration, if your rental property is located in a place that has snow in winter, one of your most important (ongoing) obligations are regularly clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps. Utilize the appropriate shovels or plowing service to be equipped for snow removal. In addition, have bags of snow melt, salt, or sand on standby to help keep walkways clear of ice.
In locations with heavy snow or freezes, it is advised that you inspect your rental’s roof and gutters for ice dams and snow damage regularly. Repeated cycles of thawing and freezing water can cause roof damage and lead to flooding or other water damage. To avoid additional emergency repairs, keep a constant check on your property in winter weather and, if possible, get a professional to assess and fix your roof right away.
Other ongoing maintenance actions that can help improve the efficiency of your rental property’s HVAC system are to guarantee that the furnace filter is cleaned every three months (or more often, as demanded) and ask your tenants to keep interior doors open. This can help warm air circulate better and keep the indoor air free from common pollutants.
Assume you are looking for additional winter maintenance ideas for rental property owners. In that scenario, it is best to consult with a professional familiar with the unique needs of rental homes. Hiring an experienced Portsmouth property management company like Real Property Management Hampton Roads can assist in ensuring your rental property stays in great condition throughout the winter and beyond. Contact us online today to learn more!