As Central Falls property managers, it’s worth noting that winter is when extra maintenance is needed. Many people are only concerned about the seasonal tasks that need to be done, such as putting away outdoor furniture or turning off the sprinkler system. Even though these are important, there are other things you need to do to keep your rental property in excellent shape during the winter months. Keep reading to learn more about the most vital winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners!
Seasonal Maintenance – Exterior
One of the most important winter maintenance duties for rental property owners is to fix any exterior damage that may have happened over the summer. This could mean repairing cracks in windows or doors, replacing cracked shingles on the roof, and fixing siding that has been damaged.
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 keep pests out
- clean and store outdoor furniture and grills
- drain hoses and sprinkler systems and place hoses neatly in a shed or garage
- clean and inspect all fireplaces and chimneys
Seasonal Maintenance – Interior
There are also several maintenance tasks that rental property owners should do indoors. The most critical aspect is to make sure that your property is properly insulated throughout the winter months. This could mean checking and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows to keep out drafts, putting insulation in attics and basements, and insulating pipes to prevent 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 make sure it’s in good working order
- reverse the direction of the ceiling fans, or tell your renters how to do it (counterclockwise is advisable for cooler weather)
- check the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Ongoing Winter Maintenance
Besides seasonal maintenance, there are a couple of ongoing winter maintenance tasks that rental property owners need to be aware of.
For instance, if your rental property is in a region that experiences snow in winter, one of the most important (and ongoing) jobs will be clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps. Make sure you have the right shovels or plowing service ready for snow removal. Furthermore, have bags of snow melt, salt, or sand on hand to help keep walkways clear of ice.
In areas with heavy snow or freezes, it’s important to check your rental’s roof and gutters regularly for ice dams and snow damage. Repeated cycles of thawing and freezing water can wreak havoc on a roof and cause flooding or other water damage. To avoid costly emergency repairs, keep a close eye on your property in winter weather and, if necessary, hire a professional to inspect and repair your roof right away.
Other ongoing maintenance errands that can help improve the efficiency of your rental property’s HVAC system are to guarantee that the furnace filter is cleaned every three months (or more frequently, as required) and encourage 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 need more winter maintenance guides for rental property owners, it’s advisable to consult with a professional who knows the unique needs of rental homes. Partnering with an experienced Central Falls property management company like Real Property Management Providence can help make sure your rental property stays in fine condition throughout the winter and beyond. Contact us online today to learn more!
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