Winter can be a particularly challenging season for a landlord. Depending on your location, you, your tenants, and your rental property could endure frigid temperatures and hazardous weather conditions, causing potential damage and increased maintenance costs.
Being proactive about property maintenance is the best way to minimize these risks. With a thorough house winterization checklist, you can ensure your property’s habitability and safety for the winter season. Below, we’ve compiled a guide on how to master home winter prep to ensure your rental business survives the winter blues.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of winterizing a rental property by answering the following questions:
- Why is winter maintenance important?
- What should I do before starting home winter prep?
- How do I winterize my property’s exterior?
- How do I winterize my property’s interior?
Why Is Winter Maintenance Important?
Winter maintenance is crucial for sustaining a rental business, especially in colder climates. Without proper preventative maintenance, your property might be unable to withstand winter weather conditions. Running this risk could result in costly property damage, potential liabilities, and unhappy tenants --- three huge disruptors to your bottom line.
To maintain rental income and tenant satisfaction, it’s important to stay on top of property maintenance throughout the year. Then, as winter approaches, you won’t be scrambling at the last minute to make vital repairs or home improvements. Rather, you can relax knowing that your property and tenants are safe and ready to take on the winter.
Tips Before Starting Home Winter Prep
Before diving headfirst into home winter prep, let’s start with some tips to help you stay organized, efficient, and, most importantly, safe. Dealing with property maintenance, especially during the colder months, can be challenging and unsafe at times. So, it’s important to come prepared with the right tools, knowledge, and property management strategies, including:
Keep essential supplies on hand
Winter maintenance means little if done incorrectly. This is why having all the necessary tools and supplies is critical before getting started. Whether that means stocking up your run-of-the-mill toolbox or collecting materials for a more outside-the-box home project, make sure you have everything you need for the job.
When winterizing your rental property, consider stocking up on materials needed for the following maintenance tasks:
- Insulating pipes and outdoor spigots
- Sealing windows and doors
- Clearing gutters and downspouts
- Removing snow and other debris
- Inspecting roof and chimney
- Improving outdoor landscaping
Learn winter safety tips
As mentioned earlier, winters in certain regions can pose some serious risks. If your property is in a high-risk area, it’s important to learn about winter safety and emergency preparedness. This could involve establishing evacuation strategies, learning the best practices for snow removal, or even stocking up on emergency supplies like water, first-aid kits, non-perishable food items, and winter-specific items like blankets and thermal wear. For more detailed, region-specific suggestions, you might consult your local government or the Environmental Protection Agency.
Communicate with tenants
You should never leave your tenants in the dark about winter maintenance. After all, they are the ones living on the property and are more at risk if something goes wrong, like a power outage or snowed-in driveway. Before beginning your home winter prep, make sure to communicate with tenants and inform them about your maintenance plan. This means giving them a heads-up about property inspections, renovation projects, or any potential disruptions that could affect their daily routine.
Additionally, you might also offer insight from your winter safety knowledge base. This could include reminding them to keep the thermostat above a certain temperature to prevent frozen pipes or providing evacuation plans in case of emergencies. This information will be crucial to the safety of your tenants and your property.
House Winterization Checklist for Property Exterior
Your property’s exterior is the first line of defense against winter hazards. When well-maintained and updated, it can save you from costly and stress-inducing repairs, from water damage to structural faults. So, before the snow starts coming down, find time to get outside and winterize your rental’s exterior with the following tips:
Clean the gutters
First on your house winterization checklist are your gutters. Your gutters will endure quite a lot throughout the winter season, particularly if snowfall occurs. As snow collects and then gradually melts, your gutters will be responsible for draining the water remnants away from your property’s siding and landscaping. That is, if they’re not clogged with leaves and other debris.
Clogged and damaged gutters can cause many issues, especially in the winter. If gutters cannot drain water effectively, the water will freeze and create ice dams. These ice dams can wreak havoc on your property’s exterior, damaging shingles, gutters, and fascia. And on top of that, improper drainage could also cause significant water damage to the inside of your property.
To properly clean and inspect your gutters before winter hits, do the following steps:
- Remove debris, leaves, and twigs that have accumulated.
- Inspect the gutters for any signs of damage, like cracks or rust, to ensure they’re securely attached to the property.
- Check the downspouts for blockages or leaks. If you find an obstruction, use a garden hose to flush it out and restore proper drainage.
- Consult a professional if you encounter significant damage or blockages that cannot be resolved through cleaning.
Inspect the roof
Next on the list is your roof. Just like your gutters, you should thoroughly clean and inspect your roof to check for any broken or cracked shingles. These will be the first to go when a rough winter storm hits, so replacing them beforehand is in your best interest. If a shingle does come loose and fall during the winter, your roof will be vulnerable to water leaks or damage from heavy snow.
If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you can hire a contractor to inspect your roof. During their inspection, the contractor will check for loose shingles, examine chimneys and vent pipes, and inspect the roof’s overall structure. Getting a professional opinion is typically worthwhile when it comes to your roof. Though it may cost some extra funds, an inspection cost is nothing compared to getting a roof fixed or replaced altogether down the line.
Touch up landscaping
Poor landscaping is often to blame for winter property damage. When strong winds, snow, or ice hit, trees, shrubs, and other landscaping elements become a major threat. That’s why it's important to prepare, clean, and maintain your landscaping before winter begins. Whether you’re trimming nearby trees to avoid damage from falling limbs or covering flower beds to protect them from harsh weather, try to go the extra mile to protect your property and your neighbor’s from landscaping mishaps.
Winterize sprinklers
It’s easy to forget about your sprinklers once winter comes around. However, this is not a winter maintenance step you want to miss. Forgetting to winterize your sprinkler system by shutting off the water supply can cause your pipes to freeze. Then, if the pipes burst, the water will seep into your home’s foundation and cause significant damage.
Make sure to drain your pipes before cold temperatures hit. You can do this by turning off your sprinkler system’s water supply and opening all valves to release any remaining water. Or, if you want to be super cautious, consult a professional irrigation specialist for assistance.
Enhance outdoor lighting
Because sunlight is scarce during the winter, it’s important to upgrade your outdoor lighting. This not only improves your property’s curb appeal, but it also serves as a safety precaution for residents. Consider installing motion-sensitive or timed lighting to ensure tenants can navigate the property safely, even on the darkest winter nights. Your occupants will appreciate this safety feature, making them more satisfied and likely to stick around for another lease term.
Implement snow and ice removal strategies
Lastly, part of your exterior prep should involve developing a plan for snow or ice removal. Depending on your climate, you may need to invest in a snow blower or have a professional plowing service on speed dial. Making these plans ahead of time will save you from dealing with stressed residents trapped inside because of impassable driveways or walkways. And, it will also minimize the risk of snow-related injuries on your property, which could lead to legal liabilities and unhappy tenants.
Before you set a snow plan, make sure to check your local and state laws on snow removal. These regulations may affect when, how, and where you can clear snow from your property. For example, some states may require property owners to shovel within a certain time frame of snowfall.
House Winterization Checklist for Property Interior
Now that we’ve covered the exterior of the property, let’s venture inside. Low temperatures often mean more time spent indoors, and the last thing you want is a broken heater or leaky pipes causing discomfort, inconvenience, or safety risks for your tenants. To avoid disrupting tenants and paying for costly home repairs, winterize your rental’s interior with the following tips:
Service the HVAC system
If you’ve ever experienced faulty heating in the dead of winter, then you know how important seasonal HVAC maintenance is. Just like a car needs annual oil changes, your HVAC system also requires reoccurring tune-ups to withstand gradual wear and tear.
As winter approaches, schedule a visit with your local HVAC specialist to inspect and service your heating system. During the inspection, make sure they replace air filters, examine ductwork, test the thermostat, and identify any damage or issues that need attention. That way, if there is a problem, you can schedule a repair before the issue escalates into a full-blown emergency.
Add extra insulation
Insulation is key when it comes to winterizing a rental property. Not only will this keep your tenants warm and comfortable, but it will also reduce their monthly utility bills. Begin by checking high-risk areas like attics, walls, and crawl spaces. Then, inspect all doors and windows. If you notice gaps or thin layers of insulation, consider adding more material like foam, caulk, or weather-stripping. Doing so will seal any air leaks and improve airflow within the house.
Inspect plumbing and pipes
While we’re on the topic of insulation, let’s also talk about pipes. Freezing pipes are one of the most common issues for rental properties during winter. The sudden drop in temperature and lack of insulation can cause water to freeze inside pipes, causing them to burst and damage your property. If left unchecked, this could result in significant repairs, including replacing entire plumbing systems.
To prevent frozen pipes, make sure to insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas like attics or basements. Additionally, advise tenants to be mindful of the thermostat before leaving town. It’s recommended to keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature (above 55 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal) to prevent pipes from freezing.
Test alarms
As you check items off your house winterization checklist, don’t forget to test your alarms. When conducting a rental inspection, make sure that all of the smoke alarms and CO2 detectors work. This is one of the most important things you can do for your tenant’s safety, as these alarms are crucial for alerting occupants of potential dangers like carbon monoxide exposure or fires.
Clean the chimney
Properties with fireplaces and chimneys need extra attention in the winter. Before temperatures drop, have your fireplace and chimney professionally cleaned and inspected. This will ensure your chimney is free of soot, creosote, and other dangerous buildup that could cause chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other related fire risks. Then, you should instruct your tenant on how to clean the fireplace after every use to maintain safety upkeep.
Keep Track of Property Maintenance with Apartments.com
Being a landlord means keeping up with property maintenance, not just during the winter but year-round. Though it can be a lot to keep track of, it’s crucial to managing a successful and profitable rental business. As you prepare your property for the winter season, make sure to stay organized and knowledgeable about best practices for winter maintenance and repairs with help from Apartments.com.
To help you stay on top of property maintenance, Apartments.com offers various resources, from maintenance request dashboards to expense tracking tools. Explore our suite of Rental Tools to discover solutions for your rental property this winter.
FAQ
At what temperature should you winterize your house?
You should consider winterizing your house when temperatures consistently drop below 32°F (0°C). This process helps prevent pipes from freezing and ensures your home remains energy-efficient during the colder months. It's also a good idea to check weather forecasts for any unusually cold spells to be better prepared.
How do you insulate a rental property?
To insulate a rental property, start by sealing any drafts around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulking. Add insulation to attics, walls, and floors if possible, and consider using heavy curtains to retain heat indoors. Ensure that heating systems are serviced and efficient to maintain a comfortable indoor environment without excessive energy use.
How often should you inspect your rental property during the winter?
Inspect your rental property at least once at the start of winter to ensure everything is in working order, and then inspect throughout the season as needed. Remember to inform tenants before conducting any inspections. Regular checks can help identify issues like leaks, drafts, or heating problems before they become serious. Encourage tenants to report any maintenance issues promptly to address them in a timely manner.
