Seasonal Maintenance – Exterior
One of the most critical winter maintenance duties for rental property owners is to restore any exterior damage that may have materialized over the summer. This could mean replacing cracks in windows or doors, replacing missing shingles on the roof, and fixing siding that has been broken.
Other important exterior maintenance tasks include:
- clean any debris from the gutters and downspouts
- inspect and fix outdoor lighting
- cover intake vents with screens to avoid pests
- clean and store outdoor furniture and grills
- drain hoses and sprinkler systems and place hoses properly in a shed or garage
- clean and inspect all fireplaces and chimneys
Seasonal Maintenance – Interior
There are also a couple of maintenance tasks that rental property owners must perform indoors. The most important thing is to make sure that your property is correctly insulated throughout the winter months. For example, inspecting and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows to stop drafts, installing insulation in attics and basements, and insulating pipes to protect them from freezing during periods of extreme cold.
Other important interior maintenance tasks include:
- remove and store any window-mounted AC units
- service your HVAC system and ensure that it’s in good working order
- reverse the direction of the ceiling fans, or show your renters how to do it (counterclockwise is ideal for cooler weather)
- check the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Ongoing Winter Maintenance
In addition to seasonal maintenance, there are a couple of ongoing winter maintenance tasks that rental property owners need to stay aware of.
For example, if your rental property is in a region that has snow in winter, one of the most critical (and ongoing) assignments will be clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps. Make sure you have the correct shovels or plowing service ready for snow removal. Also, have bags of snow melt, salt, or sand nearby to help keep walkways clear of ice.
It is crucial to routinely check your rental’s roof and gutters for ice dams and snow damage in areas with heavy snow or freezes. Constant cycles of thawing and freezing water can undermine a roof and cause flooding or other water damage. To avoid wasting money on emergency repairs, carefully watch your property in winter weather and, if needed, get a professional to evaluate and repair your roof right away.
Other ongoing maintenance duties that can help improve the efficiency of your rental property’s HVAC system are to ensure that the furnace filter is changed every three months (or more frequently, as required) and instruct your tenants to keep interior doors open. This can help warm air circulate better and keep the indoor air free from common pollutants.
If you are looking for additional winter maintenance guides for rental property owners, it’s best to consult with a professional who is experienced with the specific needs of rental homes. Partnering with an experienced Fort Worth property management company like Real Property Management Meridian can help make sure your rental property remains in excellent condition throughout the winter and beyond. Contact us online today to learn more!