As Perrysburg property managers, it’s imperative to bear in mind that winter is when extra maintenance is necessitated. Numerous citizens think of only the seasonal tasks that need to be done, including putting away outdoor furniture or turning off the sprinkler system. Even though these are critical, other work is necessary to keep your rental property in decent shape during the winter months. Keep reading to learn more about the most significant winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners!
Seasonal Maintenance – Exterior
The rehabilitation of any exterior damage that may have occurred over the summer is one of the most crucial winter maintenance assignments for rental property owners. This may incorporate fixing cracks in windows or doors, replacing broken shingles on the roof, and mending damaged siding.
Other important exterior maintenance tasks include:
- clear any debris from the gutters and downspouts
- check and repair outdoor lighting
- cover intake vents with screens to keep rodents out
- clean and store outdoor furniture and grills
- drain hoses and sprinkler systems and store hoses neatly in a shed or garage
- clean and inspect all fireplaces and chimneys
Seasonal Maintenance – Interior
Also, there are many maintenance tasks that rental property owners must undertake indoors. The most vital component is guaranteeing that your property is suitably insulated throughout the winter months. This can entail checking and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows to avoid drafts, providing insulation in attics and basements, and insulating pipes to prevent them from freezing during periods of extreme cold.
Other important interior maintenance tasks include:
- remove and store any window-mounted AC units
- service your HVAC system and make sure it’s in good working order
- reverse the direction of the ceiling fans, or give your renters instructions for how to do it (counterclockwise is best for cooler weather)
- check the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Ongoing Winter Maintenance
On top of seasonal maintenance, there are some ongoing winter maintenance tasks that rental property owners need to keep up with.
By way of illustration, if your rental property is situated in a location that has snow in winter, a significant (ongoing) assignment for you is regularly clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps. Be equipped for snow removal with the proper shovels or plowing service. Additionally, have bags of snow melt, salt, or sand available to help keep walkways clear of ice.
It is critical to regularly check your rental’s roof and gutters for ice dams and snow damage in regions with heavy snow or freezes. Recurrent cycles of thawing and freezing water can weaken a roof and result in flooding or other water damage. Maintain a close watch on your property in winter weather and, if necessary, get a professional to inspect and repair your roof right away to avoid costly emergency repairs.
Other ongoing maintenance duties that can help improve the efficiency of your rental property’s HVAC system are to make sure the furnace filter is replaced every three months (or more often, as required) and urge your tenants to keep interior doors open. This can help warm air circulate more efficiently and keep the indoor air free from common pollutants.
If you are looking for additional winter maintenance tips for rental property owners, it’s important to consult with a professional who understands the unique needs of rental homes. Working with an experienced Perrysburg property management company like Real Property Management Clarity Team can help ensure your rental property stays in good shape throughout the winter and beyond. Contact us online today to learn more!
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