Winter requires additional maintenance, which is something you as a rental property owner should keep in mind. Even while some people only think about seasonal tasks like storing outdoor furniture or shutting off the irrigation system, there are extra critical things that need to be done to ensure that your rental property remains in good condition during winter.
Find out what the most important winter maintenance tasks are for the rental property owner by continuing reading.
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 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 must be completed by a rental property owner on a regular basis. Making sure your property is properly insulated for the winter is another important consideration. In order to prevent drafts, this may entail adding insulation to attics and basements, checking and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows, 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
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, which form when snow melts and refreezes on the roof, can cause significant damage if not removed soon. To avoid costly emergency repairs, it is best to hire a professional to inspect and fix your roof right away.
By staying on top of these winter maintenance tasks, you can help assure your tenants’ safety and comfort while safeguarding your rental property from potential damage and costly repairs.
Additional Winter Maintenance
It becomes increasingly 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 Enterprises today to learn how we can help you safeguard and manage your investments in Moore and the surrounding areas, ensuring a worry-free season ahead. Contact us online or by phone at 405-463-0040.
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