As a property owner, you have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to maintaining your rental properties. Winter brings its own set of challenges, so it is important to prepare ahead of time to make sure your residents are safe and comfortable. Following this rental properties winter preparation checklist can help.
With snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, there are many potential hazards you must be aware of. Here are some tips to help you get your properties ready for winter.
Rental Properties Winter Preparation Checklist :
The main areas to consider around multifamily units or single-family homes rentals include:
- Boilers and Furnaces
- Pipe Insulation
- Roofs and Gutters
- De-Icing
- Snow Plowing
- Trees
- Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Cracks
- Windows
1. Inspect Your Boilers and Furnaces
Before winter hits, it is important to have your boilers and furnaces inspected and serviced by a professional. This will help ensure that they are operating correctly and efficiently. It is also a good idea to have a spare set of filters on hand in case you need to replace them during the winter months. Your goal is to avoid emergency service calls with a no-heat call from one of your rental properties. Not only is it inconvenient for your residents but it can turn out to be expensive too if the problem is not addressed in a timely manner.
2. Insulate Your Pipes
Another area of concern during the winter months is frozen pipes. To prevent this from happening, make sure all your pipes are properly insulated. The best way to insulate pipes is to wrap them with insulation foam or fiberglass insulation. Pay special attention to pipes that run through exterior walls or are exposed to the outside elements. They are more likely to freeze and cause a major problem if not properly insulated.
3. Clear Your Gutters and Inspect Your Roofs
Your gutters and roofs should be in good condition at all your rental properties before the first snowfall. Ensure your gutters are clear of leaves and other debris, and your roofs are free of any loose shingles or other potential hazards. If you have a chimney, now is also a good time to have it inspected and cleaned.
4. Keep De-Icing Chemicals On Hand
De-icing chemicals can be used to melt ice on sidewalks and driveways. You should have a bucket available at each property with proper instructions for residents to use. In case of a major snowstorm, residents can use the de-icing chemicals to keep pathways clear and safe.
5. Plan for Snow Plowing Ahead Of Time
If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow like New England, it is important to plan for snow plowing ahead of time. Make sure you have a reliable and fully insured snowplow company that can come out and clear your parking lots and driveways when needed. This will help keep your residents safe and ensure they can access their property when needed.
6. Trim Your Trees
If you have any trees around your rental properties, now is a good time to trim them back. This will help prevent branches from falling and causing damage during the winter months. Heavy snowfall combined with strong winds can be dangerous, so it is best to take precautions to keep your residents and properties safe.
7. Inspect Your Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
All your fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be in working order in all units before the freezing weather hits. It is also a good idea to have a spare set of batteries on hand in case you need to replace them during the winter months.
8. Inspect For Cracks
Inspect your walls, foundation, masonry, and mortar for cracks and repair them as soon as possible to prevent water damage and mold growth. Over time, water seeping through cracks can cause extensive mold and moisture damage. If the water freezes, the cracks will expand–leading to even more significant and expensive repairs.
9. Update Weather Stripping
By replacing the old weather stripping around doors and windows, you can minimize drafts entering the unit. In addition to protecting against leaks, water damage, and icy floors, this will also save on energy bills for residents.
Final Thoughts
By taking these steps to winterize your rental properties, you can rest assured that your properties are well-prepared for winter weather conditions. With a little planning and following this rental properties winter preparation checklist, you will keep your residents safe and comfortable, which is always a priority for any property owners or property managers.
Stonelink provides comprehensive property management services in Rhode Island and SE Massachusetts. Our professional team of experts can help ensure that your rental properties are prepared for winter, and protected against water damage and other potential issues.
Let Stonelink help you keep your rental properties safe, secure, and comfortable for your residents.
