Remembering that winter necessitates additional maintenance is essential for the rental property owner. While some people may only think of seasonal tasks like storing outdoor furniture or turning off the sprinkler system, there are additional critical responsibilities that must be fulfilled to guarantee that your rental property remains in good condition during winter.
Continue reading to learn more about the most important winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners!
Winter Exterior Home Maintenance
Addressing any exterior damage that may have occurred during the summer is one of the most significant winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners. This may entail carrying out maintenance on damaged siding, replacing broken shingles on the roof, or repairing cracks in windows or doors.
Maintenance tasks that are worthy of mention pertain to the exterior of one’s residence. One such task is the thorough removal of detritus from gutters and downspouts.
Some noteworthy tasks for maintaining the exterior of your home include:
- Maintaining and repairing outdoor illumination.
- Covering intake vents with screens to prevent rodents from entering.
- Maintaining and storing outdoor furniture, including barbecues.
- Maintaining hoses and sprinkler systems in a drained state and stowing hoses in a shed or garage.
- Inspecting and cleaning every fireplace and chimney.
Indoor Maintenance Tasks
It is essential for rental property owners to carry out a variety of maintenance tasks indoors. Additionally, it is critical to ensure that your home is adequately insulated for the winter months. Checking and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts, insulating pipes to prevent them from freezing during freezing weather, and adding insulation to attics and basements may be required.
Some necessary tasks for maintaining the interior of your home include:
- Eliminating and stowing any window-mounted air conditioning units.
- Maintaining the functionality of your HVAC system by servicing it.
- For milder weather, reverse the direction of your ceiling fans (counterclockwise is optimal).
- Checking the batteries in every carbon monoxide and smoke detector.
Prevent Injuries and Property Damage
It is essential, if your rental property is located in an area that experiences winter snowfall, to remove snow from walkways, driveways, and steps on a regular basis. This will help to prevent slips and falls, which could result in injuries and potential lawsuits. To prevent ice buildup, be sure to have appropriate shovels, a plowing service, and containers 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 performing these winter maintenance tasks regularly, you can safeguard your rental property against potential damage and expensive repairs while ensuring the safety and comfort of your tenants.
Additional Winter Maintenance
Implementing routine maintenance tasks on the HVAC system of your rental property is crucial for ensuring its optimal operation. Changing the HVAC filter in your rental property every three months, or more often if required, is one such task. Because a dirty filter can obstruct ventilation, the system will have to work harder and use more energy. You can increase the system’s efficacy and reduce energy costs by regularly replacing the filter.
Enjoy a state of tranquility this winter! Collaborating with an expert property management firm is critical for ensuring the protection of your rental property during inclement weather. Contact Real Property Management Last Frontierimmediately to learn how we can assist you in safeguarding and maintaining your Palmer and surrounding property investments so that you can enjoy a worry-free season. For further inquiries, please contact us online or dial 907-268-4779.
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