White River Junction property managers must be aware that winter is when extra maintenance is essential. Most people only consider the seasonal tasks that need to be done, such as putting away outdoor furniture or turning off the sprinkler system. In addition to this important task, other duties should be completed to keep your rental property in good shape during the winter months. Keep reading to learn more about the most crucial winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners!
Seasonal Maintenance – Exterior
Dealing with any exterior damage that may have arisen over the summer is one of the most crucial winter maintenance chores for rental property owners. This involves fixing cracks in windows or doors, replacing lost shingles on the roof, and fixing broken siding.
Other important exterior maintenance tasks include:
- clear any debris from the gutters and downspouts
- inspect and repair outdoor lighting
- cover intake vents with screens to avoid pests
- rinse and store outdoor furniture and grills
- drain hoses and sprinkler systems and place hoses tidily in a shed or garage
- clean and assess all fireplaces and chimneys
Seasonal Maintenance – Interior
Moreover, there are many maintenance tasks that rental property owners must execute indoors. The most important thing is to keep your property well-insulated throughout the winter months. This can entail inspecting and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows to stop drafts, putting insulation in attics and basements, and insulating pipes to protect them from freezing during periods of extreme cold.
Other important interior maintenance tasks are:
- discard and store any window-mounted AC units
- service your HVAC system and make certain that it’s in good working order
- reverse the direction of the ceiling fans, or give your renters commands for how to do it (counterclockwise is excellent for cooler weather)
- check the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Ongoing Winter Maintenance
Aside from seasonal maintenance, there are several ongoing winter maintenance tasks that rental property owners should be aware of.
For illustration, if your rental property is in an area that encounters snow in winter, clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps is an important (ongoing) duty for you. Prepare for snow removal by having the right shovels or plowing service on hand. Additionally, have bags of snow melt, salt, or sand on hand to assist in keeping walkways clear of ice.
In places with heavy snow or freezes, it’s critical to assess your rental’s roof and gutters frequently for ice dams and snow damage. Frequent cycles of thawing and freezing water can cause chaos on a roof, making it a source of flooding or other water damage. To prevent unnecessary emergency repairs, keep a watchful check on your property in winter weather and, if necessary, acquire a professional to examine and fix your roof immediately.
Other ongoing maintenance duties that can help improve the efficiency of your rental property’s HVAC system are to guarantee that the furnace filter is cleaned every three months (or more often, as required) and push your tenants to keep interior doors open. This can help warm air circulate more properly and keep the indoor air free from common pollutants.
If you are in search of more winter maintenance suggestions for rental property owners, you should consult with a professional who is knowledgeable about the special needs of rental homes. Consulting with an experienced White River Junction property management company like Real Property Management Beacon can help guarantee your rental property stays in excellent condition throughout the winter and beyond. Contact us online today to learn more!
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