Winter maintenance is crucial for rental property owners to ensure the property remains in good condition during the colder months. To properly maintain your rental property during winter, it’s important to not only complete seasonal tasks like storing outdoor furniture and turning off the sprinkler system, but also to address other important tasks.
Continue reading to learn about the essential winter maintenance tasks that rental property owners need to prioritize.
Winter Exterior Home Maintenance
One important winter maintenance task for rental property owners is to address any exterior damage that may have occurred during the summer season. Some examples of home maintenance tasks include 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
Performing several indoor maintenance tasks is essential for rental property owners. Ensuring that your property is well-insulated during winter is crucial for several reasons. To make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable, you can consider a few steps. Firstly, you can check and install weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts. Secondly, adding insulation in attics and basements can help retain heat and reduce energy loss. Lastly, insulating pipes can prevent freezing during cold 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
Regularly clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps is crucial for rental properties located in areas that experience winter snowfall. Preventing slips and falls is crucial as they can result in injuries and potential legal actions. To prevent ice buildup, it is important to have suitable shovels, a plowing service, and bags of snow melt, salt, or sand readily 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 addressed promptly. Hiring a professional to inspect and repair your roof immediately is recommended to avoid costly emergency repairs.
By staying on top of these winter maintenance tasks, you can help ensure your tenants’ safety and comfort while protecting your rental property from potential damage and costly repairs.
Additional Winter Maintenance
To ensure that your rental property’s HVAC system is running efficiently, it’s important to perform regular maintenance tasks. One such task is changing your rental property’s HVAC filter every three months or more frequently if necessary. This is because a dirty filter can restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder and use more energy. By changing the filter regularly, you can improve the system’s efficiency and reduce energy costs.
Experience peace of mind this winter! Partnering with a professional property management company is the key to safeguarding your rental property in any weather. Reach out to Real Property Management Trusted Hands today to discover how we can help protect and maintain your investments in Winter Haven and nearby, ensuring a worry-free season ahead. Contact us online or call 407-794-7468.
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