As a rental property owner, you should keep in mind that winter demands 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 what the most crucial winter maintenance tasks are for the rental property owner.
Winter Exterior Home Maintenance
One of the most significant winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners is to address any exterior damage that may have occurred during the summer. This could involve repairing cracks in windows or doors, replacing broken shingles on the roof, and fixing 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
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:
- 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 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. For worry-free security and preservation of your investments this season, contact Real Property Management Piedmont right away. We can help with property upkeep in Sandy Springs and the surrounding areas. contact us via phone at 404-480-4820 or online.
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