It is critical for rental property owners to know that winter necessitates additional maintenance. While some people only think of seasonal tasks like storing outdoor furniture or turning off the sprinkler system, there are other critical tasks that must be completed to guarantee that your rental property remains in good condition during winter.
Continue reading to learn more about the most essential winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners!
Winter Exterior Home Maintenance
Correcting any exterior damage that may have occurred during the summer is one of the most significant winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners. This could include repairing cracks in windows or doors, replacing broken roof shingles, and repairing damaged siding.
Some noteworthy tasks for maintaining the exterior of your home include:
- Cleaning out the gutters and downspouts of any debris.
- Examining and repairing outside lighting.
- Covering intake vents with screens to keep rats out.
- Caring for and storing outdoor furniture and grills.
- Draining hoses and sprinkler systems, as well as neatly storing hoses in a shed or garage.
- Cleaning and inspecting all chimneys and fireplaces.
Indoor Maintenance Tasks
As a rental property owner, you must conduct many maintenance tasks indoors. Another critical factor is ensuring that your home is well-insulated during the winter. 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 freezing weather are all examples of what this entails.
Some necessary tasks for maintaining the interior of your home include:
- Taking down and storing any window-mounted air conditioners.
- Servicing your HVAC system to guarantee it is in functioning order.
- Reversing the direction of your ceiling fans (for cooler weather, counterclockwise is better).
- Checking the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Prevent Injuries and Property Damage
If your rental property is in a snowy area, cleaning snow from walkways, driveways, and steps on a regular basis is vital. This will assist to prevent slips and falls, which can result in injuries and potential lawsuits. To prevent ice buildup, make sure you have appropriate shovels, a plowing service, and bags of snow melt, salt, or sand on available.
It’s also critical to keep an eye on your rental property’s roof and gutters during the winter, especially if you live in a region with heavy snow or freezing weather. 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 important for ensuring that your rental property’s HVAC system is running efficiently. One important task to keep in mind is the regular maintenance of your rental property’s HVAC filter. It is recommended to change the filter every three months, or more frequently if needed. A dirty filter can limit the airflow in a system, which can lead to increased energy consumption as the system works harder to compensate. Regularly changing the filter can enhance the efficiency of the system and result in lower energy expenses.
Find peace of mind this winter with our services! Partnering with a professional property management company is crucial for ensuring the protection of your rental property in all types of weather conditions. Contact Real Property Management Forte today to learn about the services we offer to protect and maintain your investments in Coral Springs and nearby areas. Our team can help ensure a worry-free season ahead for your properties. You can reach us online or by calling 954-708-1515.
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