How do you prep your rentals for the winter?

Question

Hi guys,

Thanks to the wealth of knowledge I've found on BP, I've made it through my first (very educational) year as a landlord in my first house hack. I've learned to prep ahead. I'm in Chicago and as a landlord, winters are a threat. My plan is to get the house prepped and ready for the winter. It's currently occupied. Can any of you experienced landlords give me any tips on what to add to my winter prep list for a hopefully smooth winter?

So far I have:

1. Get all furnaces cleaned, serviced'

2. Empty and shut off outdoor garden hose

3. Make sure heat is turned on in all common areas (last winter I had a burst pipe, thank god it wasn't major but lesson learned!)

If you have time please pitch in or maybe direct me to any comprehensive list you've seen online or on BP. Thanks!

Sam G. · Answer

I had gutter guards installed throughout the property to hopefully avoid having to worry about cleaning the gutters but good point to those that mentioned gutters and making sure there are ice issues. I really wish there were companies that could help guide homeowners on maintenance issues and winter prep etc or at least offer these services. It's often the little things that could end up being costly.

Dhru, I think especially in Chicago with our old housing stock and crazy temps, some kind of continuing education course would be great. Are you a part of any local Chicago REI groups?

Sam G. · Answer

Sound advice! I'd like to travel this winter for about a month but the only thing holding me back is my fear of leaving the house in the winter in case something happens. Not that me physically being there will actually prevent anything but still. Will have to read more on how landlords do any traveling and if it's even possible! As a newbie, it's my current phobia.

Sam G. · Answer

Aah to be in Hawaii and not have to worry about Chicago winters lol!

Account Closed · Answer

Scooch the Tiki torches closer to the lanai door in case of rain.  Ya can't fight Mother Nature.  The tenants are on their own if the temps drop into the 60's.

JD Martin · Answer

I turn off the water at the street or in the basement in vacant units unless I'm showing the property. Turn hot water heaters down to their lowest setting. Make sure hose bibs are insulated on the inside and covered on the outside. Make sure gutters drain properly so you don't end up with blocks of ice or ice dams crawling up the roof. Make sure holes that could be attractive to rodents are sealed.

Samantha Hiscock · Answer

I call my plow guy and have him come down before the snowfalls to make sure he understands where snow needs to be put, remind him of the oil fill pipe placement, parking, blah blah blah. The last thing you want is a pile of snow blocking your oil fill pipe, I made that mistake the first year I owned a building not realizing that the NEIGHBORS fill pipe was only accessible through the big pile of snow my plow guy had in MY yard. It took hours to clear a path so they could get heating oil.

I get a new snow shovel and bucket of ice melt for each porch. I let the tenants know that it's there for them to use, and all it takes is a text message and I will bring them more ice melt.

Catherine German · Answer

in the Pacific Northwest & other rainy areas it's a good idea to get the gutters cleaned out and roofs cleaned annually before winter. If you have snow, get the ice melt ready & make sure walk ways are clear of slip hazards such as algae/moss.

Michael Noto · Answer

4. A lot of praying

Dhru Das · Answer

I would like to know as well from experienced landlords..@Sam G. your 3 items seem to be good ones to remember...