Recognizing that winter requires additional maintenance is essential for any rental property owner. While there are some individuals who only consider seasonal tasks, such as storing outdoor furniture or turning off the sprinkler system, there are other essential tasks that need to be completed in order to guarantee that your rental property remains in good condition during winter.
Continue reading to find out more about the most important winter maintenance tasks that every rental property owner needs to complete!
Winter Exterior Home Maintenance
One of the most significant winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners is to address any exterior damage that may have occurred during the summer. This could involve repairing cracks in windows or doors, replacing broken shingles on the roof, 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
It’s important for rental property owners to do maintenance tasks inside their homes. Another important thing is to make sure that your house has enough insulation for the winter. This may mean checking and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows, adding insulation to attics and basements, and insulating pipes to keep them from freezing in freezing weather in order to prevent drafts.
Some necessary tasks for maintaining the interior of your home include:
- Take down and store any air conditioners that are installed on windows.
- Maintaining the functionality of your HVAC system by servicing it.
- Turning your ceiling fans, the other way around (colder weather benefits from counterclockwise rotation).
- Checking the batteries in every carbon monoxide and smoke detector.
Prevent Injuries and Property Damage
Regularly clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps is essential if your rental property is located in a snowy area throughout the winter. This will assist to prevent slips and falls, which can result in accidents 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 site.
In places with heavy snow or freezing temperatures, it’s crucial 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 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.
Cherish mental peace this winter! The best strategy to guarantee that your rental property is secure in any weather condition is to collaborate with a seasoned property management company. You can preserve and safeguard your investments in Marysville and the nearby areas with the aid of Real Property Management Clarity Central. To find out more, get in touch with us right now, and enjoy a stress-free season. Contact us by phone at 614-405-2340 or via email.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
