Winter requires additional maintenance, which is important to know as a rental property owner. Some people only think about seasonal tasks like putting away outdoor furniture or turning off the sprinklers, but there are other important things that need to be done to keep your rental property in good shape during the winter.
Continue reading to find out more about the most important winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners!
Winter Exterior Home Maintenance
Addressing any exterior damage that may have happened during the summer is one of the most significant winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners. This could entail repairing siding that is damaged, replacing broken shingles on the roof, and repairing cracks in windows or doors.
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
Indoor maintenance tasks are crucial for the rental property owner. Another important thing is to make sure that your home is well insulated for the winter. In order to prevent drafts, this might entail checking and putting weatherstripping around doors and windows, adding insulation to attics and basements, and insulating pipes to keep them from freezing in freezing weather.
Some necessary tasks for maintaining the interior of your home include:
- Taking down and storing any air conditioners that are placed in windows.
- Servicing your HVAC system to make sure it’s in good shape.
- Change the direction of your ceiling fans (counterclockwise is best when it’s cooler outside).
- Checking the batteries in all carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.
Prevent Injuries and Property Damage
Getting rid of snow from walkways, driveways, and steps on a daily basis is very important if your rental property is in an area that gets snow in the winter. This will help to prevent slips and falls, which could result in injuries and potential lawsuits. In order to prevent ice buildup, make sure you have the right shovels, a plowing service, and bags of snow melt, salt, or sand.
In areas with heavy snow or freezing weather, it’s also crucial to keep an eye on the roof and gutters of your rental property in 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
To keep your rental property’s HVAC system functioning smoothly, it is essential to perform regular maintenance tasks on it. Changing the HVAC filter in your rental property at least once every three months is one of these tasks. The system has to work harder and use more energy when the filter is dirty because it can block airflow. By changing the filter on a regular basis, you can increase the system’s efficiency and reduce energy costs.
Have peace of mind this winter! For the safety of your rental property at all times, you need to work with a skilled property management company. Get in touch with Real Property Management Sailfish Coast right away to find out how we can help protect and keep your Fort Pierce and nearby investments, so you don’t have to worry about the season ahead. You can contact us online or by calling 772-242-9094.
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