As Henrico County property managers, it’s important to remember that winter is when extra maintenance is needed. Many people think of only the seasonal tasks that need to be done, such as putting away outdoor furniture or turning off the sprinkler system. While these are important, other tasks are required 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 essential winter maintenance chores for rental property owners is to repair exterior damage that may have transpired over the summer. This could involve fixing cracks in windows or doors, replacing damaged shingles on the roof, and restoring broken siding.
Other important exterior maintenance tasks are:
- clean any debris from the gutters and downspouts
- inspecting and repairing outdoor lighting
- cover intake vents with screens to avoid rats
- cleaning and storing 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
Moreover, there are numerous maintenance tasks that rental property owners should conduct indoors. The most crucial thing is to keep your property well-insulated throughout the winter months. This can entail checking and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows to minimize drafts, installing insulation in attics and basements, and insulating pipes to stop 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 ensure it’s in good working order
- reverse the direction of the ceiling fans, or give your renters guidelines on how to do it (counterclockwise is best for cooler weather)
- test the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Ongoing Winter Maintenance
Aside from 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 placed in an area that gets snow in winter, a critical (ongoing) job for you is repeatedly clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps. Be prepared for snow removal with the right shovels or plowing service. Also, have bags of snow melt, salt, or sand on hand to help keep walkways clear of ice.
In locations with heavy snow or freezes, it’s vital to monitor your rental’s roof and gutters for ice dams and snow damage frequently. Repeated cycles of thawing and freezing water can cause damage to a roof and inflict flooding or other water damage. To prevent expensive emergency repairs, keep a watchful check on your property in winter weather and, if required, get a professional to check and repair your roof immediately.
Additional ongoing maintenance activities 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 frequently, as required) and urge 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 searching for more winter maintenance advice for rental property owners, it’s advisable to consult with a professional who is well-versed in the specific requirements of rental homes. Hiring an experienced Henrico County property management company like Real Property Management Richmond Metro 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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