It is crucial for Jerome property managers to consider the fact that winter is when extra maintenance is needed. Many individuals think of only the seasonal tasks that need to be done, including putting away outdoor furniture or turning off the sprinkler system. While these are vital, there are other tasks needed to keep your rental property in good shape during the winter months. Keep reading to learn more about the most important winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners!
Seasonal Maintenance – Exterior
Among the important winter maintenance activities for rental property owners is restoring any exterior damage that may have happened over the summer. This can entail restoring cracks in windows or doors, replacing lost shingles on the roof, and fixing broken siding.
Other important exterior maintenance tasks are:
- clean any debris from the gutters and downspouts
- Inspect and replace outdoor lighting
- cover intake vents with screens to prevent rats
- wash and store outdoor furniture and grills
- drain hoses and sprinkler systems and store hoses tidily in a shed or garage
- clean and check all fireplaces and chimneys
Seasonal Maintenance – Interior
Furthermore, there are numerous maintenance tasks that rental property owners must conduct indoors. The most important thing to do is to keep your property well-insulated throughout the winter months. This can entail examining and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows to stop drafts, placing insulation in attics and basements, and insulating pipes to prevent them from freezing during periods of extreme cold.
Other important interior maintenance tasks entail:
- discard and store any window-mounted AC units
- service your HVAC system and guarantee it’s in good working order
- reverse the direction of the ceiling fans, or provide instructions to your renters on how to do it (counterclockwise is ideal for cooler weather)
- test the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Ongoing Winter Maintenance
Other than seasonal maintenance, there are a couple of ongoing winter maintenance tasks that rental property owners must keep up with.
For illustration, if your rental property is located in an area that has snow in winter, an important (ongoing) duty for you is regularly clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps. Purchase the necessary shovels or plowing service to be prepared for snow removal. In addition, have bags of snow melt, salt, or sand close by to help keep walkways clear of ice.
In areas with heavy snow or freezes, it’s vital to regularly check your rental’s roof and gutters for ice dams and snow damage. Constant cycles of thawing and freezing water can harm a roof and result in flooding or other water damage. To prevent costly emergency repairs, pay close attention to your property in winter weather and, if possible, hire a professional to examine and fix your roof instantly.
Additional ongoing maintenance actions that can help improve the efficiency of your rental property’s HVAC system to make sure the furnace filter is cleaned every three months (or more regularly, as required) and remind your tenants to keep interior doors open. This can help warm air circulate more effectively and keep the indoor air free from common pollutants.
If you’re interested in more winter maintenance tips for rental property owners, it’s best to consult with a professional who is knowledgeable about the specific requirements of rental homes. Engaging with an experienced Jerome property management company like Real Property Management Magic Valley can help ensure your rental property is in good condition throughout the winter and beyond. Contact us online today to learn more!
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