The Benefits of Seasonal Maintenance for Rental Properties

Rental property owners know that maintenance is an ongoing endeavor. It’s an important part of creating a positive living environment for tenants and preserving property value. To help make this endeavor easier, many landlords opt for a proactive approach: seasonal maintenance. Let’s take a look at how this type of regular maintenance can benefit rental property owners.

What Is Seasonal Maintenance?

Seasonal maintenance is the practice of scheduling touch-ups, repairs, and inspections in tandem with the different seasons. This keeps every aspect of a rental property up to date, lasts longer, and saves landlords from headaches.

Advantages of Seasonal Maintenance

Seasonal maintenance for rental properties comes with plenty of advantages:

• It eliminates the need for intensive annual maintenance.
• It helps identify potential issues before they become bigger problems.
• It keeps rental units up-to-date year-round.
• It keeps tenant safety and satisfaction in-check.
• It can help optimize heat and energy efficiency.
• It can increase rental property value.

What Should Be Covered with Seasonal Maintenance?

The following areas should be accounted for with seasonal maintenance:

• Interior Safety: Tenant safety should be the landlord’s main priority. Every season, inspect fire extinguishers, check smoke detectors, and make sure stairways and hallways are clear of debris.
• Routine Repairs: No matter the season, regular maintenance should be performed. This includes checking and replacing air filters, light bulbs, and caulk around windows and doors.
• Exterior Work: The exterior of a property should be looked over with each season change. Start with filling holes in walkways with cement, then move on to power washing, painting, and staining. Make sure to inspect windows and doors for any signs of weathering.
• Roof Maintenance: Pay special attention to the roof. Replacing damaged shingles, flashing, or gutters will protect tenants from leaks and water damage.

When Should Seasonal Maintenance Be Performed?

• Spring: Check and clean the HVAC system, inspect gutters, examine the roof and chimney, and fertilize lawns and gardens.
• Summer: Clear debris, inspect air conditioners, and check for loose items such as brackets, deck furniture, and railings.
• Fall: Have your HVAC system inspected, heat up the hot water heaters, and clean up your gutters.
• Winter: Make sure snow and ice are removed, double-check your heating system, inspect smoke detectors, and replace all batteries.

When to Hire Professionals

It’s important for rental property owners to be proactive when it comes to seasonal maintenance. If any task is too intensive for the landlord to handle alone, calling a professional should be considered. Plumbing and electrical repairs could require the expertise of a licensed, bonded and insured contractor. It’s also an option for landlords to outsource seasonal maintenance to a property management company.

The Bottom Line

Seasonal maintenance is key to keeping rental properties in their best shape. Not only can it help maximize tenants’ safety and satisfaction, but it can also increase the ROI on the property. Landlords who successfully manage maintenance can ensure their rental units are always up-to-date, and ready to give tenants the aesthetic and comfort they expect out of their homes.

Conclusion

Seasonal maintenance for rental properties is an essential part of rental property management. Proactive maintenance can save landlords time and money in the long run, while also maximizing tenant safety and satisfaction. Keeping rental units in their best shape will always be a priority for landlords, and seasonal maintenance is the ideal solution to ensure that the property is always up to date and in its best condition.

What type of maintenance routines should landlords do for seasonal rental property upkeep?

-Clean air filters, replace furnace filters, and check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

-Inspect the windows, screens, and exterior doors for any damage and make necessary repairs or replacements.

-Check to ensure the roof, roof gutter, and downspouts are free from debris and in good condition.

-Inspect outdoor decks, stairs, and railings for any damage and make necessary repairs or replacements.

-Check the walkways and any other paved surfaces around the property for damage and have them repaired as necessary.

-Clean and inspect gutters, downspouts, and check the caulking and sealant around windows.

-Test all water systems in the home, including toilets, showers, and faucets.

-Fertilize the lawn and surrounding vegetation and trim back overgrown vegetation.

-Inspect the exterior siding, paint, and finish for any damaged areas and repair or repaint as necessary.

-Check for any pest infestations and take steps to treat the problem as necessary.

-Review any storm prevention measures such as tying down swing sets, portable sheds, and outdoor furniture.

-Check the plumbing systems for any leaks or clogs and make the necessary repairs.

What precautions should landlords take for winterizing a rental property?

1. Inspect and weatherize windows and doors: Check for air leaks around windows and doors and replace weather seals or caulking as needed. Also check for signs of rotting wood around windows or door frames.

2. Insulate pipes: Wrap exposed pipes with winter-proof insulation to help protect them from freezing temperatures.

3. Check the heating system: Have a professional inspect and service the heating system prior to winter to prevent breakdowns during cold spells.

4. Monitor the roof: Clear debris such as leaves and branches from the roof and inspect for signs of damage prior to beginning of winter.

5. Inspect gutters: Regularly inspect gutters for leaves and other debris, and clean them out to avoid blockages and water leakage.

6. Inspect siding: Check exterior siding for signs of damage, such as water damage or cracks, and repair as needed.

7. Clean out rain gutters: Remove any debris such as leaves and dirt from the rain gutters, to avoid water accumulation and potential flooding.

8. Trim trees and shrubs: Keep nearby trees and shrubs pruned to avoid potential damage to the siding and roof.

9. Check for pests: Prior to winter, inspect the property for signs of insects or rodents. Use pest control measures as necessary to keep the property free from pests.

What steps should a landlord take to winterize a rental property?

1. Inspect heating systems, windows, and door seals. Make sure that all windows, doors, and vents are in proper working order and sealed tightly to prevent cold air from entering the property.

2. Install heavy weather stripping around windows and doors.

3. Make sure that insulation meets local building codes and is properly installed.

4. Service any furnaces and have them tuned up if necessary.

5. If renting to a tenant, provide them with a detailed list of steps to take to protect the property from cold temperatures. Consider providing checklists for heating systems, water pipes, and appliances, and any additional safety precautions to ensure the safety of the tenant.

6. Provide instructions for the tenant for draining and winterizing outdoor water lines.

7. Cover outdoor air conditioning units for protection from freezing temperatures.

8. Clean gutters and downspouts to help keep snow and ice away from the building.

9. Prune nearby trees for safety and to reduce branches in the way of snow and ice.

10. Make sure sidewalks, driveways, and steps are cleared of ice and snow. Consider getting sand and/or salt to keep the area safe.