For rental property owners, it is essential to keep in mind that winter necessitates extra maintenance. While some individuals may solely consider seasonal duties like as storing outdoor furniture or deactivating the sprinkler system, it is crucial to perform additional essential tasks to guarantee the appropriate maintenance of your rental property over the winter season.
Read on to discover the crucial winter maintenance duties that rental property owners must undertake.
Winter Exterior Home Maintenance
An essential winter maintenance responsibility for rental property owners is to rectify any exterior damage that may have transpired during the summer. Tasks may include the restoration of fissures in windows or doors, the substitution of fractured shingles on the roof, and the repair of impaired 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
For rental property owners, it is crucial to carry out certain indoor maintenance tasks. Another vital factor is to ensure that your property is adequately insulated during the winter season. This may entail inspecting and putting weatherstripping around doors and windows to mitigate drafts, including insulation in attics and basements, and insulating pipes to prevent them from freezing in extremely 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
Periodically removing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps is crucial for rental properties located in snowy regions throughout winter. Implementing this measure will effectively mitigate the risk of slips and falls, hence reducing the likelihood of injuries and potential legal actions. Make sure you own appropriate shovels, a plowing service, and supplies of snow melt, salt, or sand readily available to avoid the accumulation of ice.
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
Regular maintenance tasks are essential to keeping your rental property’s HVAC system in top operating condition. Among these responsibilities is the need to change the air conditioning filter in your rental property at least once every three months. Why? Because the system has to work harder and use more energy to overcome the airflow restrictions caused by a filthy filter. The system’s efficiency can be increased, and you can reduce energy costs, by changing the filter frequently.
Enjoy a comfortable winter! The best way to ensure the safety of your rental property year-round is to team up with a reputable property management firm. For a worry-free season ahead, contact Real Property Management NW Indianatoday to learn more about how we can assist you in protecting and maintaining your investments in Crown Point and the surrounding area. Or, dial 219-525-1277 to reach us via our website.
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