Landlord Spring Checklist: Protect Your Investment and Prevent Insurance Claims

In This Article

For most people, spring is about deep-cleaning the garage, planting flowers, or finally putting away that rogue holiday decoration still sitting in the hallway (you know the one). But for landlords? Spring is your golden opportunity to get ahead of the curve and protect your property from expensive, avoidable insurance claims.

Insurance is meant to protect you as the property owner, but things can get a little sticky when claims stem from things you could have caught early. A loose shingle here, a clogged gutter there, and suddenly, you’re footing the bill for a flooded basement or a liability lawsuit from a trip hazard.

This isn’t just a seasonal to-do list. It’s a proactive strategy to defend your cash flow, tenants’ safety, and insurance policy.

So, whether you self-manage one rental or oversee a portfolio, these spring maintenance steps are your front line of defense. The best part? Most of them cost very little compared to what they could save you.

Let’s get into the five essential (and insurance-smart) things every landlord should be checking right now.

1. Check the Roof + Flashing = Stop Leaks Before They Start

Spring is the season of sunshine, blossoms, and, unfortunately…surprise water leaks.

After a long winter of snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures, your roof has taken a beating. And if you don’t catch the damage early, you could be looking at water leaks that don’t just soak ceilings; they soak your wallet, too.

Here’s what every landlord should be doing right now.

Start with a simple visual check

Open up your camera, use that 20x zoom, and do a walk-around. You’re looking for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Pay extra attention to the edges of the roof, chimneys, vents, and skylights. These are prime zones for moisture to sneak in.

Inspect the flashing

Flashing is the metal that seals roof joints and penetrations. It’s also one of the most overlooked sources of roof leaks. Spring is the perfect time to look for rust, corrosion, or gaps around the:

• Chimneys
• Sidewalls
• Skylights

Even a tiny separation can let water in, and that water can sit undetected in attic insulation or behind drywall for months—until, what feels like out of nowhere, you’ve got mold, rot, and a tenant texting you at 10 p.m.

Why this matters for your insurance

Many insurance policies won’t cover water damage caused by “preventable maintenance issues.” Translation? If your roof leak started from worn-out flashing you never checked, your claim might get denied. Ouch.

Your insurance-proofing move

• Schedule a pro roof inspection if you’re not comfortable climbing up there.
• Document the inspection with photos (insurance loves receipts and reports).
• Replace compromised flashings or shingles ASAP before spring showers test your luck.

Remember, a $250 repair now could prevent a $10,000 claim (and a premium hike) later. Because when it comes to your rental property, an ounce of prevention isn’t just worth a pound of cure—it might just save your whole policy.

Next up: We’ll talk about gutters—and how they quietly protect your foundation from turning into a swimming pool.

2. Gutter Cleaning and Drainage = Protect the Foundation

Gutters are like the unsung heroes of your rental property. They don’t get much love, but if they fail, your foundation might too.

Spring is the ideal time to clean out the gunk that’s been piling up all winter long: leaves, twigs, rogue tennis balls; who knows what’s up there? But one thing’s for sure: Clogged gutters and poor drainage are the fast track to water pooling around your foundation.

Here’s what you need to do.

Clean those gutters like your deductible depends on it

Clogged gutters cause water to overflow and spill down exterior walls, leading to basement leaks, mold growth, and soil erosion. If you’ve got long-term tenants, those hidden water issues could go unnoticed for months.

Use a sturdy ladder, a pair of gloves, and a trowel to scoop out the debris. Make sure water flows freely from the roof through the downspout.

Check your downspouts

Check that downspouts are securely connected and directing water at least 4-6 feet away from the building. If the water’s pooling near the foundation, add extenders. That $10 piece of plastic could save you tens of thousands in structural repairs.

Bonus points for checking drainage and grading

Walk the perimeter after a heavy spring rain. Are there puddles near the home? Is the soil sloping toward the house instead of away? That’s bad news. If needed, regrade low areas or install a French drain or something similar.

Why this matters for your insurance

Insurance often won’t cover foundation damage if it’s traced back to poor maintenance or drainage issues. Some policies even also exclude “seepage” or “slow leaks” altogether, especially when they result from water pooling around the home. That means you could be on the hook for tens of thousands in out-of-pocket repairs.

Your insurance-proofing moves

• Clean gutters and downspouts at least twice per year.
• Add downspout extensions and ensure proper drainage.
• Keep photo documentation to show your due diligence.

Because when water doesn’t have a way out, it finds its own way in—and it rarely sends a courtesy notice first.

3. Walkways and Driveways = Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention

Here’s something that sneaks under the radar far too often: your walkways and driveways.

They may look harmless, but cracked concrete, loose pavers, and slippery algae buildup can turn into a personal injury lawsuit faster than you can say “uneven surface.”

Let’s break down what landlords should be doing this spring.

Start with a safety walk-through

Take a slow lap around the property and actually walk the walkways. Look for:

• Raised or sunken slabs
• Cracks or broken pieces
• Tree roots pushing up concrete
• Moss, mildew, or algae on shaded paths

Don’t forget driveways and parking pads 

These often get ignored until a tenant or visitor trips or slips. Especially in wetter climates, driveways can get slick fast or become patchworks of cracked asphalt or concrete.

Power wash + patch = low-cost prevention

A quick power wash can remove slick buildup. Sealant or patching kits from your local hardware store can do wonders for small cracks. And if you notice major lifting or sinking, call a pro. Better now than mid-lawsuit.

Why this matters for insurance

Liability claims are a landlord’s worst nightmare. Slips, trips, and falls make up a large chunk of personal injury lawsuits, and insurance companies know it. If someone gets hurt on your property due to obvious, unaddressed hazards? You may be on the hook.

Some policies even require proof of regular maintenance to even consider coverage for these types of claims.

Your insurance-proofing move

• Document your spring safety walk with photos and notes.
• Fix any issues immediately—or at least schedule repairs.
• Keep receipts and “before and after” shots in your records.

Because in the eyes of an insurance adjuster (or an injury lawyer), that crack in the concrete isn’t just a minor cosmetic flaw. It’s a potential claim waiting to happen.

4. HVAC + Dryer Vents = Prevent Fire & System Failures

Here’s the thing about HVAC systems and dryer vents: When they work, you never think about them. But when they fail? It’s a 10 out of 10 on the tenant complaint scale, and it can turn into a dangerous and costly claim if you’re not ahead of it.

Let’s start with the HVAC system

Spring is the perfect time to schedule your seasonal inspection—right before that first heat wave hits and every HVAC tech in town is booked solid for weeks.

Here’s your quick HVAC checklist:

• Change or clean air filters (yes, even if they “look OK”).
• Vacuum out vents and make sure airflow is consistent.
• Inspect for signs of rust, corrosion, or mold.
• Schedule a tune-up or maintenance visit with a licensed pro.

Bonus points if your tenants are long-term. Make a habit of including this service as part of your lease renewal timeline. It’s a win-win: They get a freshly tuned-up system, and you get fewer late-night repair calls.

Now let’s talk dryer vents

Dryer lint is sneaky, and it’s flammable. That combination makes dryer vent buildup one of the most common sources of residential fires. And no, cleaning the little trap inside the dryer isn’t enough.

Here’s what to do:

• Locate the exterior dryer vent (usually on the back or side of the building).
• Remove any visible lint or obstructions.
• Consider hiring a pro to snake the full vent line annually, especially for multi-unit properties.

Insurance tie-in

Both HVAC and dryer vent maintenance are on the radar of insurance adjusters because so many claims happen after landlords ignore basic upkeep. In fact, dryer fires alone cause hundreds of millions in damages each year. And if it’s found that the fire could’ve been prevented with proper maintenance? Good luck getting that claim fully covered.

Your insurance-proofing move

• Book a spring HVAC tune-up.
• Replace filters and clean registers.
• Fully clean dryer vents inside and out.
• Document the work with invoices and photos.

Because when your AC quits midsummer, or your laundry room goes up in smoke, it’s too late to say, “I meant to take care of that.”

5.  Landscape & Tree Trimming = Stop Damage Before It Starts

We all love a lush landscape, but if you’re not careful, that beautiful oak tree or wild hedge could become your biggest insurance headache.

Spring is go time for assessing what winter left behind and what needs trimming, cutting, or clearing before summer storms or pest invasions create costly problems. 

Here’s what smart landlords do this time of year.

Trim trees with a vengeance

Dead or overhanging limbs are accidents waiting to happen. A strong gust of wind can snap a branch right onto your roof, your tenant’s car, or worse, a power line.

Get a professional arborist if:

• Large limbs hang over the structure.
• Trees are close to power lines.
• You see signs of rot or instability.

Clear the jungle: Overgrown shrubs and weeds

That thick foliage might look nice from the curb, but it’s a great hiding place for rodents, termites, and other pests. And once they move in, they’re not going to stop at the bushes.

Cut back vegetation that:

• Touches the house or garage walls
• Blocks walkways, driveways, or exterior lighting
• Crowds utility meters, AC units, or dryer vents

Check your drainage zones

Plants that block gutters, downspouts, or surface drains can create serious water backup, especially during spring rains. Poor drainage can erode soil, damage foundations, or even flood basements.

Why this matters for insurance

Damage caused by falling trees or limbs during a storm is usually covered—unless it was due to neglect. If the tree was dead or visibly diseased and you didn’t take action? Your claim might be denied. The same goes for pest-related damage or water issues that result from poor landscaping maintenance.

Your insurance-proofing move

• Schedule a landscaping cleanup every spring.
• Take before-and-after photos of trimmed trees and cleared vegetation.
• Keep pest control and arborist receipts in your property file.

Because no one wants to explain to their insurance adjuster—or tenant—why a limb went through the roof.

Why Steadily Is the Smart Insurance Move for Landlords

By now, you know that spring is the season of prevention, and the right insurance partner is a major part of that equation.

Steadily isn’t just another insurance provider. They’re built from the ground up for real estate investors who need coverage that actually fits the way they operate. Whether you own a single rental or a sprawling portfolio, Steadily understands what landlords are really up against.

Here’s why thousands of landlords are choosing Steadily:

• Tailored for rental properties – Forget trying to wedge your rentals into a standard homeowners policy. Steadily’s coverage is designed specifically for landlords, with protections for tenant damage, loss of rent, liability claims, and more.
• Quick, online quotes – No endless calls or paperwork. Just head to their site, answer a few questions, and get a quote in minutes.
• Clear, landlord-first coverage – Their policies are easy to understand, built to scale with your portfolio, and free of the fine print that can leave you stranded during a claim.
• Trusted by real estate pros – From first-time landlords to seasoned investors, Steadily is quickly becoming the insurance provider of choice in the real estate world.

If you’ve made it this far into your spring checklist, it’s clear you care about protecting your investment. Let Steadily help with the one thing that brings it all together.

Click here to get your free quote from Steadily and make this spring the season you lock in peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

There you have it: The five often-overlooked but absolutely critical steps every landlord should tackle this spring. 

From roof leaks to root damage, a little maintenance now can mean massive savings later. And more importantly, it could be the difference between a simple fix and a denied insurance claim that drains your reserves (and your patience).

As a landlord, your job isn’t just about collecting rent—it’s about protecting what you’ve built. That includes having the right insurance coverage in place before something goes wrong.