As a rental property owner, it’s crucial to remember that winter calls for additional maintenance. There are additional important things that need to be done to ensure that your rental property remains in good condition during winter, even though some people only think about seasonal tasks like storing outdoor furniture or turning off the irrigation system.
Continue reading to find out more about the most crucial winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners.
Winter Exterior Home Maintenance
One of the most significant winter maintenance tasks for a rental property owner is to repair any exterior damage that may have occurred during the summer. Repairing cracks in windows or doors, replacing damaged siding, and replacing missing shingles from the roof are all possible.
Some noteworthy tasks for maintaining the exterior of your home include:
- Getting rid of any debris from the gutters and downspouts.
- Examining and mending outside lights.
- Covering intake vents with screens to keep rodents out.
- Upkeep and storing outdoor furniture, such as grills.
- Draining hoses and sprinkler systems and putting them away in a shed or garage.
- Examining and cleaning each fireplace and chimney.
Indoor Maintenance Tasks
Regular completion of indoor maintenance tasks is required of rental property owners. Another crucial factor is making sure your property is adequately insulated for the winter. This may involve installing weatherstripping around doors and windows, insulating pipes to keep them from freezing in freezing weather, and adding insulation to attics and basements in order to prevent drafts.
Some necessary tasks for maintaining the interior of your home include:
- If your air conditioner is mounted on a window, remove it and store it.
- Checking and servicing your HVAC system to ensure appropriate operation.
- Reversing the direction of your ceiling fans (counterclockwise turns perform best in cooler weather).
- Checking the batteries in each smoke and carbon monoxide detector.
Prevent Injuries and Property Damage
If the area where your rental property is located experiences snowfall, you must regularly clear snow from walkways, driveways, and steps. This will help to prevent slips and falls, which could lead to accidents and potential lawsuits. Having the right shovels, a plowing service, and bags of sand, salt, or snow melt on available will help prevent ice buildup.
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 can form and cause significant damage to a roof if melts and then refreeze. It is advisable to engage a professional to inspect and repair your roof as soon as possible to avoid costly emergency repairs.
Staying on top of these winter maintenance tasks will protect your rental property from potential damage and costly repairs, as well as guarantee the comfort and safety of your tenants.
Additional Winter Maintenance
To ensure that the HVAC system in your rental property is running as efficiently as possible, it’s imperative to perform routine maintenance tasks. One of these responsibilities is to change the HVAC filter in your rental property once every three months, or more frequently if necessary. This is because a dirty filter may impede airflow, making the system work harder and use more energy. By regularly replacing the filter, you may improve system efficiency and reduce energy costs.
Savor the peace of mind this winter! Working with an experienced property management firm is the key to safeguarding your rental property no matter what the weather does. To learn how we can protect and preserve your investments in Denham Springs and the surrounding areas, and ensure a worry-free season, get in contact with Real Property Management Premium right now. Contact us by phone at 225-570-8739 or online.
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