Winter requires additional maintenance, which is important to know as a rental property owner. Some people only think about seasonal tasks like putting away outdoor furniture or turning off the sprinklers, but there are other important things that need to be done to keep your rental property in good shape during the winter.
Continue reading to find out more about the most important winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners!
Winter Exterior Home Maintenance
One of the most significant winter maintenance tasks for a rental property owner is fixing any exterior damage that might have happened over the summer. Maintaining damaged siding, replacing roof shingles, or repairing cracks in windows or doors are all examples of what may fall under this category.
Some noteworthy tasks for maintaining the exterior of your home include:
- Making sure the gutters and downspouts are clear of any debris.
- Inspecting and fixing outside streetlights.
- To prevent rats from entering, screens should be covering intake vents.
- Maintaining and storing outdoor furniture, including grills.
- Cleaning out hoses and sprinkler systems and putting them away in a garage or shed in an orderly fashion.
- Giving every chimney and fireplace a thorough cleaning and inspection.
Indoor Maintenance Tasks
It is necessary for rental property owners to execute many maintenance tasks indoors. Having a well-insulated home is also important for the winter months. In order to prevent drafts, this may entail checking and placing weatherstripping around doors and windows, adding insulation to basements and attics, and insulating pipes to keep them from freezing in freezing weather.
Some necessary tasks for maintaining the interior of your home include:
- Taking down and putting away any air conditioners that are installed on the window.
- Checking the condition of your HVAC system by servicing it.
- If it’s going to be chilly outside, turn your ceiling fans counterclockwise.
- Checking the batteries on all carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
Prevent Injuries and Property Damage
Clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps on a regular basis is essential if your rental property is located in a snowy region throughout the winter. This will help prevent slips and falls, which can result in accidents and potential lawsuits. To prevent ice buildup, make sure you have shovels that are appropriate for the job, a plowing service, and bags of snow melt, salt, or sand available.
In regions with heavy snow or freezing temperatures, it is especially vital to keep an eye on the roof and gutters of your rental property during the winter. Repeated thawing and freezing cycles can cause significant damage to a roofand lead to flooding or other water damage. If not dealt with immediately, ice dams, which develop when snow melts and refreezes on the roof, can cause significant damage. To prevent costly emergency repairs, it is advised to hire a professional to inspect and repair your roof right away.
Keeping on top of these winter maintenance tasks will help keep your rental property safe and comfortable for your tenants and prevent damage or expensive repairs.
Additional Winter Maintenance
To ensure that your rental property’s HVAC system is running efficiently, it’s important to perform regular maintenance tasks. One such task is changing your rental property’s HVAC filter every three months or more frequently if necessary. This is because a dirty filter can restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder and use more energy. By changing the filter regularly, you can improve the system’s efficiency and reduce energy costs.
Experience peace of mind this winter! Partnering with a professional property management company is the key to safeguarding your rental property in any weather. Reach out to Real Property Management Bay State West today to discover how we can help protect and maintain your investments in Ludlow and nearby, ensuring a worry-free season ahead. Contact us online or call 413-514-0050.
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