As an East Hampton property manager, it is essential to make sure your properties are suitably prepared for winter. The cold weather can be difficult on homes and buildings, and if your rentals are not appropriately prepared, you could end up with uneconomical repair bills and upset renters. Not only do you have to be prepared to handle freezing temperatures and inclement weather, but really, it’s additionally essential to conduct critical maintenance on your property’s major systems. This can help prevent emergencies and also help you protect the value of your investment property.
Here are 10 essential outdoor and indoor tasks to get your rental property suitably ready for winter!
Outdoor
- Thoroughly check your rental property’s exterior walls, roof, and windows for any obvious damage or leaks that could permit moisture or cold air to seep in. Sealing any cracks and correcting or fixing any damaged areas can help hinder water from getting inside your rental homes, which can result in uneconomical repairs and mold growth.
- See to it all outdoor pipes and fixtures are wrapped with insulation or heat tape to adequately keep them from freezing during winter. Heedfully checking frozen pipes and thawing them as needed will help prevent burst pipes and flooding in your rental properties.
- Investigate your rental property’s gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems to make certain they are clear of trash and functioning suitably. Congested gutters can bring on flooding during heavy rain and snow, while on the other hand, busted drainage systems can induce water to bunch up or accumulate in the foundation of your rental homes and lead to expensive repairs.
- Take into consideration installing a protective coating or sealant on your rental property’s driveway, sidewalk, and steps to help prevent cracking and damage from the cold weather. This will help see to it that these areas are safe and easy to navigate during the winter while protecting your rental property’s curb appeal.
- Cut back trees and make ready your landscaping for winter. If your property has trees, bushes, and shrubs, get them ready for winter months by pruning them back. Additionally, ensure to winterize your sprinkler system and cover up any exposed pipes or fixtures to prevent freezing. Maintaining a winter-ready rental property means keeping your lawn and garden areas well-kept.
Indoor
- Reverse the direction of all ceiling fans. Ceiling fans should spin clockwise in warm temperatures and counterclockwise in cold temps. This is because ceiling fans turning in a counterclockwise direction will help push warm air down to the floor, which can help keep your renters nice and toasty during the cold winter months.
- Organize annual furnace maintenance by a qualified professional to make certain that your rental property’s heating system works precisely. Frequently servicing your East Hampton rental home’s heating system will help lower the risk of emergency repair needs and preserve the life of your investment property’s major systems.
- Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in your rental properties to see if they are in satisfactory working order, as these devices could save lives during emergencies such as fires or gas leaks. Replacing or upgrading those outdated smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can help make your rental properties safe and secure.
- Attentively check all faucets, drains, and appliances in your rental properties to make truly certain they are functioning accurately and that there are no leaks or clogs that could lead to major issues during the winter months. Consistently going over these spaces will not only save you money on financially excessive repairs, but it can also equally help prevent water damage in your rental homes.
- Inspect and mindfully clean each fireplace and chimney. Dirty fireplaces and soot build-up inside chimneys are prevalent causes of house fires during the winter. To protect your rental property and renters, guaranteeing that all flues and chimneys are clear of buildup and in serviceable working order is relevant.
As a rental property owner, it’s imperative to take the necessary procedures to prepare your investment properties for winter. Executing these tasks can help keep your renters warm and safe during the cold season while preventing expensive repairs and damage.
At the same time, executing preventative maintenance on a schedule can be a tough challenge. This applies especially during the busy holiday season. But remember, the pros at Real Property Management Unlimited can certainly help! Contact us online today to learn more about our prime services.
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