It is essential for Canyon Country property managers to remember that winter is when extra maintenance is desired. Numerous individuals only think about the seasonal tasks that need to be done, like putting away outdoor furniture or turning off the sprinkler system. Even though these are essential, other tasks are needed to keep your rental property in perfect shape over the winter months. Keep reading to learn more about the most significant winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners!
Seasonal Maintenance – Exterior
Taking good care of any exterior damage that may have developed during the summer is one of the most critical winter maintenance duties for rental property owners. This may involve mending cracks in windows or doors, replacing missing shingles on the roof, and replacing damaged siding.
Other important exterior maintenance tasks include:
- sweeping debris from the gutters and downspouts
- test and replace outdoor lighting
- cover intake vents with screens to prevent rodent entry
- clean and store outdoor furniture and grills
- drain hoses and sprinkler systems and keep hoses properly in a shed or garage
- wash and check all fireplaces and chimneys
Seasonal Maintenance – Interior
Additionally, there are several maintenance tasks that rental property owners should do indoors. The most important thing is ensuring that your property is properly insulated throughout the winter months. This can involve checking and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts, adding insulation in attics and basements, and insulating pipes to keep them from freezing during periods of extreme cold.
Other important interior maintenance tasks involve:
- removing and storing any window-mounted AC units
- service your HVAC system and guarantee that it is in good working order
- reverse the direction of the ceiling fans, or offer your renters guidelines on how to do it (counterclockwise is best for cooler weather)
- inspect the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Ongoing Winter Maintenance
Besides seasonal maintenance, there are a few ongoing winter maintenance tasks that rental property owners need to be aware of.
For illustration, if your rental property is situated in a place that experiences snow in winter, one of your most important (ongoing) responsibilities is regularly clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps. Utilize the right shovels or plowing service to be equipped for snow removal. Additionally, have bags of snow melt, salt, or sand available to help keep walkways clear of ice.
In locations with heavy snow or freezes, it’s recommended to inspect your rental’s roof and gutters routinely for ice dams and snow damage. Repeated cycles of thawing and freezing water may result in damage to a roof and lead to flooding or other water damage. To prevent additional emergency repairs, keep a constant check on your property in winter weather and, if necessary, call a professional to assess and fix your roof immediately.
Other ongoing maintenance activities that can help improve the efficiency of your rental property’s HVAC system are to make sure the furnace filter is cleaned every three months (or more often, as required) and ask your tenants to keep interior doors open. This can help warm air circulate more effectively and keep the indoor air free from common pollutants.
Suppose you are asking for further winter maintenance suggestions for rental property owners. In that case, it is recommended to consult with a professional who is aware of the unique needs of rental homes. Employing an experienced Canyon Country property management company like Real Property Management Traditions can help ensure your rental property stays in good shape throughout the winter and beyond. Contact us online today to learn more!
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.
