​Is Your Rental Property Ready for Winter?

The weather may still be pleasant, but it’s time to start preparing for winter. I know, I know. Most of us don’t even want to think about it, but as property owners, we have to. The cold months are just around the corner, and getting your rental property in shape for the season is the best way to prevent cold weather-related problems, like frozen pipes and clogged gutters. Here’s what you need to do to winterize your rental home:

• Talk to your tenants. Start by letting your renters know that you’re going to be performing some winterizing tasks around the property, and ask them if they’ve noticed anything that needs attention. This could be drafty windows or doors, or leaky pipes, all of which should be addressed now as they can become bigger issues during the winter months.
• Clean out your gutters. Letting your gutters get clogged with leaves and other debris can result in all sorts of problems you don’t want. When water can’t flow freely through the gutters and downspouts, it can pool and cause damage to the home. Wood rot, foundation damage, and leaks can all result from blocked gutters, so make sure they’re cleaned out once all the leaves have fallen.
• Turn off outdoor faucets. Closing the shut-off valve on outdoor faucets can save you a world of trouble when temperatures drop below freezing. Even with frost-free valve, it’s still important to drain out any water that’s in there. Failing to do this can result in frozen faucets, and in the worst cases, they can burst and cause major water damage inside and out.
• Change the furnace filter and/or have the furnace inspected. It’s always a good idea to have your HVAC system checked over once a year by a professional, so do this now if you haven’t already. These inspections can identify any issues before they become major problems, and any maintenance that needs to be done can be performed. This is also a good time to change out your furnace filter if it hasn’t been done recently.
• Clean out the chimney. If your rental property has a chimney that your tenants plan to use, schedule an inspection and cleaning. In wood-burning fireplaces, creosote and soot can build up and create a fire hazard. Even gas inserts should be periodically inspected and cleaned, as debris can build up and ceramic logs can deteriorate.
• Eliminate drafty doors and windows. While damage to property usually isn’t a major concern where drafty doors and windows are concerned, it’s still wise to seal cracks, holes and other openings where cold air can get it. Not only will this result in improved insulation and lower utility bills, it will deter any pests who might be able to squeeze in through these areas.
• Make sure snow removal is taken care of. Snow and ice on the driveway and walkways of your property can be hazardous for tenants and visitors, so make sure steps to remove it are in place. Whether it’s your job or your tenant’s, ensure that a shovel and ice melt will be used during winter weather events. You don’t want anyone getting injured on your property because of something so preventable.

The time to start winterizing your rental property is now. While some of these tasks may seem trivial, they’re all an important part of property maintenance. Whether you plan to perform them yourself or use a property management service, make sure that each of the major winterization jobs are done before the cold weather hits.