Seasonal Maintenance Checklist for Landlords
Why is Seasonal Maintenance Important?
It’s essential for keeping your investment safe. If things go wrong, you might end up with costly repairs, unhappy tenants, and likely a higher turnover rate. The weather can change a lot from season to season, requiring numerous tasks, so having a solid checklist can really help you stay on top of everything. Preventive care now means fewer stresses—and expenses—later on. Plus, keeping your tenants safe and comfortable helps keep them around for longer and a well-maintained property is also more likely to attract high quality tenants.
Spring
Spring is a season of renewal and rejuvenation, making it an ideal time for landlords to conduct thorough maintenance on their properties. There are a few key tasks that really stand out this season. Cleaning the gutters is a must. And don’t forget to check the roofs—winter can be harsh, and there might be some damage lurking up there. Also, as the ground thaws, you might notice some cracks in the foundation. Plus, with all that spring rain, any drainage problems you’ve been putting off might just get worse, so ensuring spouts and gutters are clear is essential. It's also the perfect time to reseed the lawns, trim back those shrubs and trees, and keep an eye out for any pests that might’ve decided to hibernate during the colder months.
You’ll like need some tools and supplies to get started, here’s a great list for that: A Landlord’s Toolbox for Basic Maintenance and Repairs | Rental Property Management Software by Apartments.com
Inspection & Repairs
HVAC System: These systems see heavy use in summer, so a quick check to ensure they run properly can save you time, money, and prevent potential tenant unhappiness. Ensure filters are being replaced regularly, check the thermostat, and inspect ductwork for leaks.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Critical for tenant safety, these should be tested to ensure they are working and replace batteries if necessary.
Foundation: Check for cracks or bulges in the foundation caused by soil expansion during freezing temperatures.
Pests: Look for evidence of pests such as burrowers, termites, wasp nests, and potential entry points for bats, birds, or squirrels.
Decks, Stairs, and Patios: Check for any loose boards, nails, or structural damage.
Exterior Paint: Touch up any areas where paint is peeling or chipping it’ll help prevent the weather from doing damage and maintain curb appeal.
Garages and Sheds: Look for any damage caused by winter weather, such as rotting wood or rusting metal, and make necessary repairs to ensure structural integrity.
Driveways and Walkways: Look for cracks or uneven spots that the winter might have caused.
Screens: Fix any tears or holes in window and door screens to improve aesthetics and functionality, and to keep insects out.
Water Leaks and Roof Issues: Look for loose shingles, cracked bricks on chimneys, and any signs of water damage on the roof.
Outdoor Plumbing: Look over outdoor faucets and pipes for leaks. Fixing them early saves water and more potential problems later.
Outdoor Lighting: Ensure all outdoor lights are functioning properly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs and repair any damaged fixtures.
Maintenance & Cleaning
Tidy Up the Yard: Clear leaves, dead plants, and debris to make room for new growth and prevent potential damage from spring rains and wind.
Shrubs and Trees: Prune shrubs and trees, it promotes new growth and helps keep animals and pests from making homes too close to the property as they become more active in spring.
Spouts and Gutters: Cleaning and repairing spouts and gutters ensure proper drainage away from the foundation, especially important if the property has a basement.
Storm Drains: Clear out any debris in storm drains to prepare for those spring showers.
Reseed Lawn: Spring is the best time to address bare spots in the lawn for a lush, green lawn by summer.
Window Wells: Make sure there’s no debris in window wells to avoid water build-up.
Siding and Decks: Clean surfaces with a power washer, using a safe pressure setting to avoid damage, and improve the property's appearance.
Summer
Summer, that time of year when temperatures rise and everyone’s outside enjoying the sun. There are some important maintenance tasks that landlords really shouldn’t overlook if they want to keep their rental properties in great shape. First off, checking and sealing those windows and doors is a must, and it’ll reduce strain on the HVAC system. Everyone loves the warmth that the sun brings… especially pests. Summer is prime time for bugs and other critters, so regular pest control is key to keeping them at bay. Lawn care becomes a routine task, with mowing, watering, and trimming needed to keep the property looking well-maintained. Lastly, don’t overlook the outdoor lighting. Making sure those lights are working not only brightens up the place but also boosts safety and security, especially with those longer summer days.
If you’d like to know more landlords’ responsibilities (or tenants’) when it comes to lawncare, check this out: Is The Tenant Responsible For Lawn Maintenance? (FAQs)
Inspection & Repairs
HVAC System: It’s a good idea to do a mid-summer check on your HVAC system to ensure it continues to operate efficiently. Make sure filters are changed regularly.
Windows and Doors: Inspecting and sealing windows and doors keeps cool air in, boosting HVAC efficiency and reducing energy costs. Plus, it’ll help keep insects out! A little weather stripping or caulking can go a long way in sealing up any gaps or cracks.
Irrigation Systems: Inspect and test to make sure everything’s working as it should. Adjust timers and keep an eye out for leaks or broken sprinkler heads to maintain an efficient watering schedule.
Fencing: Check fences for any damage, such as loose posts or broken boards. A sturdy fence not only looks good but also keeps everything – and everyone – safe.
Fire Safety Equipment: Ensure fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and other fire safety equipment are in good working order. Replace batteries and test alarms regularly.
Maintenance & Cleaning
Trees and Shrubs: Regular pruning and trimming help maintain healthy growth and prevent damage to the property from overgrown branches.
Exterior Surfaces: Give your home a fresh look by power washing the siding, driveways, and walkways. It’ll blast away dirt, grime, and mildew, keeping your property looking sharp and well-kept.
Lawncare: Ensure you have a plan for routine yard work.
Autumn
Fall is a season when landlords really need to roll up their sleeves and get their rental properties ready for the winter. Maintenance tasks focus on ensuring the property is ready to withstand cold temperatures and potential snow. First things first, cleaning out those gutters and downspouts is important to prevent blockages from fallen leaves, which can cause water damage. It’s also important to check insulation and seal up any drafts around windows and doors. Don’t forget about the fireplaces and chimneys! They need a good inspection to ensure that they’re safe to use when winter rolls around. Additionally, trimming weak branches and planning for snow and ice removal from walkways and driveways is important for tenant safety.
With colder weather on its way in fall, fire safety is extremely important. Here’s a helpful resource for all things fire safety in rental properties: A Landlords Guide to Fire Safety in Rental Properties - Your Landlord Resource
Inspection & Repairs
HVAC System: Ensure the HVAC system is ready for winter heating. Clean or replace filters, check the thermostat, and inspect ductwork for leaks.
Insulation: Have a peek at the insulation in your attic and around windows and doors to maximize heating efficiency and reduce energy costs.
Fireplaces: Prepare for winter use by having fireplaces, chimneys, and vents inspected and cleaned by a professional to prevent fire hazards.
Pathways and Stairs: Take a moment to check for any loose steps or nails on your pathways and stairs. You don’t want anyone tripping, especially when the ground gets icy. Freezing and thawing can make existing problems worse.
Fire Safety Equipment: Now’s a good time to check all your fire safety gear—smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, exit lights, and fire escapes.
Garage Door: Check the garage door is operating well. Make sure the opener, tracks, and weather stripping are all working well. Lubricate any moving parts and fix what needs fixing.
Maintenance & Cleaning
Gutters and Downspouts: Prevent clogs from falling leaves by cleaning gutters and downspouts. This ensures proper drainage and prevents water damage.
Branches: Be sure to trim or get rid of any weak or broken branches that could snap under the weight of snow and ice.
Thermostat Batteries: Ensure the thermostat operates reliably throughout the winter by replacing the batteries.
Air Ducts: Consider hiring an HVAC service to give your air ducts a good clean at least once a year. This helps with air quality and keeps your system running efficiently.
Dryer Duct and Trap: Ensure the dryer duct and trap are clear of lint to prevent fire hazards. This is also a good time to check the dryer’s venting system.
Sprinkler Systems: Winterize sprinkler systems and irrigation to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Drain and blow out the system to remove any remaining water.
Walkway Maintenance: Decide how snow and ice will be managed during the winter. Arrange for snow removal services or ensure tenants are aware of their responsibilities.
Winter
A beautiful season, but it brings a whole lot of headaches for those managing rental properties. First off, make sure that the water heater works like it should. There’s nothing worse than frozen pipes. And don’t forget about those outdoor pipes! Wrapping them up with some insulation can help avoid bursting pipes during freezing temperatures. Also, you’ll want to take a good look at your roof and the overall structure. Additionally, making it a habit to check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is vital for tenant safety. Keeping walkways and driveways clear of snow and ice is essential for preventing accidents. Slips and falls are no joke! Advising tenants on preventing frozen pipes by allowing faucets to trickle can also make a big difference.
Inspection & Repairs
Water Heater System: Ensure the water heater is operational and in good repair to prevent any freezing that may occur over the cold winter months. Flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup can also improve efficiency.
Roof and Structure: Ensure the roof and structure can withstand the weight of snow and ice. Check for loose shingles, leaks, and any structural weaknesses. Repair any issues to prevent roof collapse or damage.
Alarms: Especially important in winter, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if needed and ensure all alarms are functioning properly. Increased heating usage can elevate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Ice Dams: They can block drainage on your roof and lead to water damage if you’re not careful. Address any ice dams promptly to prevent water damage.
Foundation Vents: Ensure foundation vents are closed to prevent cold air from entering crawl spaces and causing pipes to freeze. Consider using vent covers for additional protection.
Humidifiers: If the property has humidifiers, ensure they are clean and functioning properly. Maintaining proper humidity levels can improve indoor air quality and comfort.
Maintenance & Cleaning
Reverse Ceiling Fans: Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to create an updraft, pushing warm air (which rises) back into the room. This helps distribute heat more evenly and improves heating efficiency.
Outdoor Pipes: Insulate outdoor pipes to prevent them from freezing and potentially bursting during a thaw. Use pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape to protect exposed pipes.
Preventing Pipe Freezing: Instruct tenants to leave faucets running overnight during extremely cold spells. A trickle of water can help prevent pipes from freezing.
Heating System: Schedule a professional inspection and service for the heating system to ensure it’s running efficiently and safely. Replace filters and check for any issues.
By doing thorough inspections and tackling maintenance tasks each season landlords can dodge those expensive repairs and cut down on tenant complaints. Each season brings unique challenges and tasks, but keeping a well-maintained property ultimately saves you time and money.
