Seasonal Maintenance – Exterior
One of the main winter maintenance responsibilities for rental property owners is addressing any exterior damage that may have been caused over the summer. This may involve fixing cracks in windows or doors, replacing broken shingles on the roof, and repairing damaged siding.
Other important exterior maintenance tasks include:
- clean any debris from the gutters and downspouts
- check and fix outdoor lighting
- cover intake vents with screens to keep rodents out
- clean and store outdoor furniture and grills
- drain hoses and sprinkler systems and store hoses carefully in a shed or garage
- clean and inspect all fireplaces and chimneys
Seasonal Maintenance – Interior
Additionally, there are various maintenance tasks that rental property owners should do indoors. The primary thing is to ensure that your property is adequately insulated throughout the winter months. This can include assessing and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts, installing insulation in attics and basements, and insulating pipes to keep them from freezing during periods of extreme cold.
Other important interior maintenance tasks include:
- remove and store any window-mounted AC units
- service your HVAC system and ensure it’s in good working order
- reverse the direction of the ceiling fans, or give your renters guidelines for how to do it (counterclockwise is best for cooler weather)
- check the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Ongoing Winter Maintenance
Apart from seasonal maintenance, there are some ongoing winter maintenance tasks that rental property owners should stay on top of.
For illustration, if your rental property is located in a place that gets snow in winter, a crucial (ongoing) task for you is regularly clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps. Be prepared for snow removal with the appropriate shovels or plowing service. Furthermore, have bags of snow melt, salt, or sand on hand to help keep walkways clear of ice.
In regions with heavy snow or freezes, you need to regularly check your rental’s roof and gutters for ice dams and snow damage. Repeated sequences of thawing and freezing water can weaken a roof and result in flooding or other water damage. To avoid expensive emergency repairs, pay close attention to your property in winter weather and, if required, recruit a professional to assess and fix your roof immediately.
Other ongoing maintenance errands that can help improve the efficiency of your rental property’s HVAC system are to ensure the furnace filter is replaced every three months (or more often, depending on the situation) and encourage your tenants to keep interior doors open. This can help warm air circulate more excellently and keep the indoor air free from common pollutants.
If you are searching for additional winter maintenance advice for rental property owners, it is important to consult with a professional who recognizes the particular requirements of rental homes. Engaging with an experienced Plymouth property management company like Real Property Management Viking can help ensure your rental property remains in great condition throughout the winter and beyond. Contact us online today to learn more!