Winter requires additional maintenance, which is important to keep in mind as a rental property owner. While some people only consider seasonal tasks like storing outdoor furniture or shutting off the sprinkler system, there are other crucial things that need to be done in order to make sure that your rental property remains in good condition during winter.
Learn more about the most important winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners by reading on!
Winter Exterior Home Maintenance
One Addressing any exterior damage that may have happened during the summer is one of the most significant winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners. This may entail replacing missing shingles from the roof, repairing cracks in windows or doors, and replacing damaged siding.
Some noteworthy tasks for maintaining the exterior of your home include:
- Cleaning the gutters and downspouts of any debris.
- Inspecting and fixing outside lighting.
- Covering intake vents with screens to prevent rodent intrusion.
- Maintaining and storing outdoor furniture, including grills.
- Draining hoses and sprinkler systems and neatly storing them in a garage or shed.
- Cleaning and examining every chimney and fireplace.
Indoor Maintenance Tasks
Indoor maintenance tasks must be completed by a rental property owner on a regular basis. Making sure your property is properly insulated for the winter is another important consideration. In order to prevent drafts, this may entail adding insulation to attics and basements, checking and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows, and insulating pipes to keep them from freezing in freezing weather.
Some necessary tasks for maintaining the interior of your home include:
- Take out and store any air conditioners that are mounted on your windows.
- Servicing your HVAC system to make sure it is functioning properly.
- Turning your ceiling fans in the opposite way (counterclockwise works best in cooler weather).
- Checking the batteries in every carbon monoxide and smoke detector.
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. This will assist in helping to prevent slips and falls, which may result in injuries and potential lawsuits. To prevent ice buildup, make sure you have shovels that are appropriate, a plowing service, and bags of snow melt, salt, or sand on hand.
It’s also important to watch your rental property’s roof and gutters during winter, especially in areas with heavy snow or freezing temperatures. Repeated thawing and freezing cycles can cause significant damage to a roof and lead to flooding or other water damage. Ice dams, which form when snow melts and refreezes on the roof, can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. Hiring a professional to inspect and repair your roof immediately is recommended to avoid costly emergency repairs.
By staying on top of these winter maintenance tasks, you can help ensure your tenants’ safety and comfort while protecting your rental property from potential damage and costly repairs.
Additional Winter Maintenance
It’s crucial to carry out routine maintenance tasks to guarantee that your rental property’s HVAC system is operating at peak efficiency. Changing the HVAC filter in your rental property once every three months, or more frequently if required, is one such duty. This is due to the possibility that a dirty filter could obstruct airflow, making the system work harder and use more energy. You may increase system efficiency and reduce energy costs by routinely changing the filter.
Enjoy mental tranquility this winter! The secret to protecting your rental property in any weather condition is to work with a seasoned property management company. To learn how we can safeguard and manage your investments in Staunton and the surrounding area and ensure a worry-free season ahead, get in touch with Real Property Management Summit right now. You can reach us via 540-315-8090.
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