Winter requires additional maintenance, which is important to keep in mind as a rental property owner. While some people only consider seasonal tasks like storing outdoor furniture or shutting off the sprinkler system, there are other crucial things that need to be done in order to make sure that your rental property remains in good condition during winter.
Learn more about the most important winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners by reading on!
Winter Exterior Home Maintenance
The problem of any exterior damage that may have happened during the summer is one of the most significant winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners. This may entail replacing missing shingles from the roof, repairing cracks in windows or doors, and replacing damaged siding.
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 a rental property owner to complete. Making sure that your house is adequately insulated for the winter is another important factor. In order to prevent drafts, this may entail inspecting and installing 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:
- Removing and storing any window-mounted air conditioning units.
- Servicing your HVAC system to ensure it is in good working order.
- Reversing the direction of your ceiling fans (counterclockwise is best for cooler weather).
- Checking the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Prevent Injuries and Property Damage
Clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps on a regular basis is essential if your rental property is located in a snow-covered area. This will assist 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.
During the winter, it’s also critical to keep an eye on the roof and gutters of your rental property, particularly in regions with heavy snow or freezing conditions. Repeated thawing and freezing cycles can cause significant damage to a roofand 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 essential to keeping your rental property’s HVAC system operating at peak performance. One such chore is replacing the HVAC filter in your rental property every three months, or more frequently if required. This is so that the system won’t have to work harder and use more energy if the filter is unclean. You may increase system efficiency and reduce energy costs by routinely changing the filter.
This winter, enjoy mental tranquility! Securing your rental property in any weather condition requires a skilled property management business as a partner. To learn how we can safeguard and manage your investments in Virginia Beachand the surrounding area and ensure a worry-free season ahead, get in touch with Real Property Management Complete right now. 757-937-2964, or contact us over the phone.
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