As a property owner, so much goes into maintaining your properties, especially if you decide to rent them out. Regular maintenance keeps your tenants satisfied and minimizes the risks of seasonal damage to your property. That’s where a rental property maintenance checklist can help you look after your properties year-round.
In this blog, we’ve put together a seasonal rental property maintenance checklist to protect your valuable investment better than ever!
Rental Property Maintenance Checklist by Seasons
A survey reveals that for 61% of property owners, maintenance is the biggest source of stress. More often than not, the maintenance upkeep costs quickly add up, especially if the issues are not addressed timely. This makes it crucial to have a checklist in place for rental property maintenance.
Winter Checklist
The winter season brings potentially costly repairs for landlords, mainly due to below-freezing temperatures. From handling tenant complaints to ice storms, there’s a lot to deal with. When planning maintenance tasks for winter, be sure to include the following:
- Snow & Ice Removal: Have a plan in place for shoveling and de-icing driveways, walkways, and any other passages with snow build-ups.
- Clean Gutters: Clear out leaves and debris to prevent water damage to your property.
- Clean Vents & Chimneys: If you have a fireplace, clean the chimney in winter to reduce fire and carbon monoxide risks.
- Inspect Any Leaks: Inspect for ice dams or leaks that could worsen with heavy snow and ensure attic ventilation.
Summer Checklist
The onset of summer brings its own set of challenges. Here’s a list of summer maintenance tasks to prepare for well beforehand:
- Clean Dryer Vents: On average, house fires cause over $9 billion in damages every year. To keep your property and tenants safe, clear out dryer vents inside and out before summer to reduce the fire risk.
- Touch-Up Paint: Look for any peeling paint and touch it up before summers arrive
- Service the Air Conditioning: HVAC systems are most strained in rental properties during summer. Ensure your AC is in top shape to prevent it from breaking down.
- Ensure Proper Plumbing: Check outdoor faucets for leaks to prevent water damage during monsoon.
Fall Checklist
As fall approaches, it’s best to take advantage of the moderate weather to prep your rental property for the cooler weather ahead. During fall, focus on:
- Mend Pavement Issues: Seal any gaps or cracks within the pavement to prevent water from causing damage during freezing months.
- Prepare the HVAC Unit: Prepare the furnace or air conditioner for winter to extend its lifespan.
Spring Checklist
As spring arrives, it’s time to prepare for potential damages in the rental home for warmer months ahead. The essential tasks for the spring season include:
- Inspect Furnace & Boiler: Service the heating system after extensive use during winter months.
- Clean Air Vents: Clear exterior vents connected to the HVAC system inside the property for proper airflow.
- Examine Doors & Windows: Check seals and blockades around windows and doors that could cause drafts.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the rental property maintenance checklist, your next step is to implement it before each season rolls around. If managing your property becomes too daunting, hand your tasks over to the Home Team, and we will take care of it all for you!
