It’s Time to Start Thinking About Winterizing Your Rental Property

Summer may be just barely over, but before long, the weather is going to start turning cold. Before this happens, there are a few things you need to do to your rental property to ensure it stays in great shape over the winter. And trust me, it’s smart to do them now while the weather is still decent, rather than putting it off and having to do the work when it’s 20 degrees outside.

• Clean the gutters out. Clogged gutters can lead to leaks and water damage inside and out. Once the leaves have dropped this fall, climb up there to remove them from the gutters, along with any other debris that has accumulated. While you’re cleaning the gutters, check for leaks or other weak spots in the guttering or downspouts, and be sure that the downspouts are routing water away from the property’s foundation.
• Have the furnace checked out. There’s nothing worse than a malfunctioning furnace in the dead of winter, so you should have your property’s checked out by a professional each year. The pro can tell you if any maintenance needs to be performed, as well as look for any potential future issues that may pop up.
• Seal and insulate. Cracks, gaps, and inadequate insulation can mean a significant loss of heated air, which results in your tenants running the furnace longer and more often. Check windows and doors for any gaps, and use caulk or insulation strips to seal them. The home’s attic should also be checked to ensure it is properly insulated.
• Take a look at the air ducts. Heated air can easily escape air ducts that aren’t properly connected or insulated. Check over the property’s ductwork to see if there are any gaps in the connections, or any holes or cracks present. Every few years, you should also take the time to vacuum the inside of the ductwork to remove any debris that has built up.
• Prevent frozen pipes. If it gets extremely cold in your area, it’s important to winterize outdoor faucets or spigots. Make sure faucets are completely shut off, and detach any connected hoses so they can be stored away for the winter. Then, use a frost-resistant cover or tape to enclose the faucet so it stays protected from the cold.
• Remind your tenants about things they can do, too. There are a few actions your renters can take to stay warm and cozy and keep your property in good shape throughout the winter. If there are ceiling fans, you can reverse the direction they operate to push warm air downwards. Most newer fans are equipped with a switch to change the direction they rotate, so this is pretty easy to do. If your tenants have installed curtains, or if you already had some in place, you can suggest that they open them on sunny days to let nature’s heater do its job, and keep them closed at night as a buffer against the cold. Finally, ask tenants to check that they aren’t inadvertently covering up any floor vents with furniture or rugs, as this can hinder air flow throughout the home.

You may not be ready to think about winter yet, but that first cold front will be moving in before we know it. Whether you’re handling the tasks yourself or assigning them to a property management group, it’s best to get a jump on winterization now, so you can be sure your property is ready for winter weather.