Rental Property Management with Seasonal Maintenance
Whether you have one rental property to care for, or dozens of buildings, property maintenance is of the utmost importance. A maintained building shows your residents you care for their well-being, that their safety is important, and of course, it safeguards your investment for years to come. Keeping track of everything that needs to be done can be challenging, so here’s a seasonal maintenance checklist, to keep you on track. We’ll start with winter, since it’s basically here! Brrrr.
Chilly Winter
Apartment buildings:
- If your rental property has a malfunctioning or problematic HVAC system, have it checked and repaired now to avoid any issues further in the season when it’s really chilly.
- Part of property maintenance includes checking any vacant units. Inspect them regularly to make sure they haven’t suffered any damage from a burst pipe. Also, be sure to shovel regularly so there isn’t any snow build up.
- Before temperatures really start to drop, take some time to make sure all furnaces are well-maintained and serviced (if your building uses natural gas.)
Condos & Single-Family Homes:
- Property maintenance starts with making sure all gutters are clean, and addressing any potential issues with the roof.
- Be sure to check all batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in every one of your rental properties.
- Keep your property safe by insulating water pipes near windows, as well as any doors to prevent freezing.
Rental Property Common Areas:
- As much as snow maintenance can be a hassle, it’s part of the job. Be prepared, and stock up on materials like salt for walkways and driveways, and gasoline for snow blowers. It’ll make the work that much easier!
- Property maintenance means keeping your residents safe, so clear walkways of snow or ice, and salt surfaces as needed.
- Depending on your location, it’s a good idea to winterize pools well in advance of when winter fully settles in. For those of you in much colder climates (you know who you are!), don’t forget to winterize your pipes or drain the pool altogether.
- A great way to proactively avoid damage during a winter storm lies in tree maintenance. Make sure all trees have been trimmed/cut to avoid any unwanted contact with your buildings.
Breezy Spring
Apartment buildings:
- Property maintenance means spring cleaning! Be sure to have your property’s HVAC heating system inspected and cleaned. Also, take this time to change all air filters on individual units, this will help prolong the life of the system and maximize efficiency.
- Do a thorough check of the building to determine whether there has been any damage made by snow, wind, or rain. If you find serious damage on any part of your rental property, fix it immediately.
- Take the time to get a certified roof specialist to check the roofs of your properties for any damage or leaks, and of course, if they find an issue, fix it.
Condos & Single-Family Homes:
- Be sure to thoroughly check the gutters and downspouts for any clogs.
- To really get into specifics, take some time to check for mold and mildew in the interiors. You could even use thermal cameras to detect any cool spots between the floors and walls.
Rental Property Common Areas:
- Even the most grumpy resident will take notice of a little light and color around the property. Treat yourself, your residents, and your property to new flowers and shrubs—enhancing your landscaping is sure to bring smiles and gratitude, and it’ll keep your rental property looking fresh and updated!
Toasty Summer
Apartment buildings:
- Summertime presents a great opportunity for property maintenance. Start by inspecting plumbing fixtures and systems. Also, look for chipped grout and sealants—issues with these left unattended could lead to water damage. Don’t forget to check on communal water fountains and public restrooms in addition to individual units.
- Nobody wants a hot and sticky summer with a broken AC. As soon as it’s warm enough (but before it’s too hot) service air conditioners (window units or central AC), and be prepared to make repairs and replacements.
- Though it may seem like you just checked smoke detectors and CO2 alarms in your rental property, do it again. This is an easy way to stay on top of your property while keeping your residents safe.
Condos & Single-Family Homes:
- Check the rental property to ensure the window wells are clean, and that gutters are clear to allow rain to flow freely.
- Walk around the property and inspect doors and windows to see if there are any gaps, this will help reduce the presence of summer pests like ants and roaches.
Rental Property Common Areas:
- Now is the time to keep your property looking good. Trim your grass regularly, increase watering for hot summer months, and consider hiring a landscaping maintenance crew to keep the area looking sharp. If you like, try using mulch to save on water.
- Inspect trees on your property, and trim weak or dying ones, especially those with dying limbs that could come loose during stormy weather.
- Test all outdoor lighting to ensure they all work, and are set to work with longer daylight hours available in the summer months. If you haven’t already, consider solar lighting. It’s a great, energy-efficient option that requires little maintenance once installed.
- Now’s the time to remove any dust, dirt, or grime that accumulated over the colder months. Use a pressure washer to clean the deck and patio spaces, and replace furniture in common areas as needed.
- The cleaner your property, the more it will be respected by your residents. Take time to steam clean tile, wood, and carpet flooring as well as any furniture in communal areas.
Cozy Fall
Apartment buildings:
- This is an opportunity to get your rental property started on winter preparedness. Start by changing HVAC filters, inspecting the unit, and performing any routine maintenance to make sure the heater will work well in the coming winter months.
- Who knew property maintenance would mean cleaning trash cans? Well, it can, especially if you want your property looking top notch at all times. So, clean trash cans, and replace damaged communal trash cans or recycling receptacles.
- The safety of your residents is crucial. Be sure to follow local ordinances and complete annual fire drills and safety checks.
- Perform a quick check on roofs of each building for leaks, obstructions, and wear and tear. Performing these often will decrease the chances of your finding a larger and more expensive problem down the line.
Condos & Single-Family Homes:
- If your rental property has a wood-burning fireplace or stove, take time to clean the chimney, check the flue, and inspect the grate and fire-screen to prepare for cold weather.
- Be sure to do a quick check of the gutters and downspouts once again to remove any excess dirt or debris.
Rental Property Common Areas:
- Seeing plant life thriving in the fall can be rejuvenating. When possible, add plant varieties that do well in colder weather in your flower beds and containers.
- Property maintenance means keeping your property looking fresh and clean. So clear your property of all dead leaves, weeds, and branches, so that it can really shine.
- Towards the end of fall, but before temperatures really drop, blow-out and turn off sprinkler and irrigation systems to avoid any surprise burst pipes.
Keeping your rental property in tip-top shape is one of the many ways you can keep your investment safe. It’s a lot to take care of, especially if you’ve got more than one property. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, maybe it’s time to hire a property manager. We’re experts in the field, and always here to help. Book a consultation with us, and let’s see how together we can make your life easier, and your property thrive.
