It is of the utmost importance 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 so 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
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 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:
- Clearing any debris from the gutters and downspouts is an important duty for keeping the exterior of your property.
- 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:
- Removing and storing any window-mounted air conditioning units is a crucial operation for keeping the interior of your home.
- Servicing your HVAC system to ensure that 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 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, that develop when snow melts and refreezes on the roof, can cause significant damage if they are not removed immediately. To avoid costly emergency repairs, it is best to hire a professional to inspect and repair your roof as soon as possible.
You can assist assure your tenants’ safety and comfort while safeguarding your rental property from potential damage and costly repairs by staying on top of these winter maintenance tasks.
Additional Winter Maintenance
It is extremely important to do regular maintenance tasks on your rental property’s HVAC system to ensure that it is running smoothly. One such chore is changing the HVAC filter in your rental property every three months, or more frequently if necessary. This is due to the fact that a dirty filter can limit airflow, causing the system to work harder and use more energy. You may improve the system’s performance and reduce energy costs by changing the filter on a regular basis.
This winter, enjoy peace of mind! Working with a skilled property management company is essential for protecting your rental property in all conditions. Contact Real Property Management Suncoast today to see how we can assist safeguard and maintain your North Port and neighboring investments, ensuring a worry-free season ahead. Contact us online or by phone at 941-309-1111.
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