As a rental property owner, you should be aware that winter necessitates additional maintenance. Some people only think about seasonal tasks like putting away outdoor furniture or turning off the sprinklers. But there are other important things you need to do in the winter to keep your rental property in good shape.
Read on to learn more about the most important winter maintenance tasks that rental property owners need to do!
Winter Exterior Home Maintenance
One of the most significant winter maintenance tasks for a rental property owner is to repair any exterior damage that may have occurred over the summer. This might involve fixing broken shingles on the roof, fixing cracks in windows or doors, and fixing damaged siding.
Some noteworthy tasks for maintaining the exterior of your home include:
- Clearing any debris from the gutters and downspouts.
- Checking and repairing outdoor lighting.
- Covering intake vents with screens to keep rodents out.
- Cleaning and storing outdoor furniture and grills.
- Draining hoses and sprinkler systems and storing hoses neatly in a shed or garage.
- Cleaning and inspecting all fireplaces and chimneys.
Indoor Maintenance Tasks
Indoor maintenance tasks are crucial for a rental property owner. Making sure your home is well protected during the winter is another important thing to think about. In order to prevent drafts, this may entail checking and putting weatherstripping around doors and windows, adding insulation to attics and basements, and insulating pipes to keep them from freezing in freezing weather.
Some necessary tasks for maintaining the interior of your home include:
- Removing and storing any window-mounted air conditioning units.
- Servicing your HVAC system to ensure it is in good working order.
- Reversing the direction of your ceiling fans (counterclockwise is best for cooler weather).
- Checking the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Prevent Injuries and Property Damage
Remove snow from walkways, driveways, and steps on a regular basis if your rental property is in an area that gets snow in the winter. This will make it easier to prevent slips and falls, which can result in injuries and potential lawsuits. In order to prevent ice buildup, make sure you have the right shovels, a plowing service, and bags of snow melt, salt, or sand.
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
Regular maintenance tasks are necessary to make sure that the HVAC system in your rental property is functioning effectively. One of these tasks is changing the HVAC filter in your rental property at least every three months, or more often if needed. The system has to work harder and use more energy when the filter is dirty because it can block airflow. You can increase the system’s performance and reduce energy costs by changing the filter frequently.
Enjoy peace of mind this winter! Working with a professional property management business is the best way to make sure that your rental property is safe in any weather. Talk to Real Property Management Trustworthy right away to find out how we can help you keep your Durham and nearby investments safe and in good shape, so you don’t have to worry about the season ahead. Contact us via email or call us at 984-666-0912.
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