Often cold weather and snow accompany the winter months. Extreme weather conditions can take a toll on your property. Therefore, winterizing your rental property can help you avoid costly damages and repairs. By following the given tips now, you can spend less time and money on repairs, plumbing, and roofing during the spring. Hence, you can enjoy the snowfall and chilly weather to the fullest without worrying about these issues.
Here’s a list of 11 different ways you can winterize your property.
The following are the most common ways you can winterize your rental property. Have a look!
The easiest way to avoid any frozen or burst pipes is by keeping the heat on when you’re away. Ensure your tenants set the thermostat to 60-65 o F while they’re out of town.
You are going to need your HVAC systems during the winters much like the summers. Thus, check to make sure your system is working efficiently. Also, if the filters need changing now is the time to do so.
Be sure to drain the exterior pipes and sprinklers system well before the first freeze. Failing to do so can cause the pipes to burst due to water freezing and expanding.
As an added precaution, you can purchase an insulated foam pipe cover or wrap a blanket around your outdoor faucet.
You should check the roof and siding for any cracks or gaps as it could cause cold air to enter your home and alter the temperature. If this happens you’ll end up having to run the heat more, which will drive up your heating bill.
Snow removal is an easy way to ensure safety for yourself and your fellow tenants. If you outsource the work, be sure you shop around to find a reputable company. However, if you do this work yourself, make sure you have shovels, salt, and a snowblower.
Make sure you monitor the weather and address the snow or ice immediately to avoid any injuries or lawsuits. You don’t want to risk a tenant slipping and falling on some ice on the sidewalk.
You should check for any flimsy or broken branches that can fall and hurt a tenant or damage your property. When snow accumulates on these branches, it can cause them to be weighed down and snap under the pressure.
Property owners should check their fireplaces and hire a professional to clean their chimneys before the winter season. This will remove anything obstructing the chimney or potentially causing damage.
Be sure to check the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors around the property. During the winter, people are more likely to be cooking big meals in the kitchen due to the holiday season. This can lead to an increased chance of a cooking fire. Therefore, make sure the batteries in your smoke alarms are in working condition.
It’s important to monitor your vacant properties and check for gas leaks, damage, or any other structural problems that could cause damage in the future.
Also, it would be best to turn the water off completely and drain the pipes and toilets.
If you own a rental complex with a common area such as a gym, pool, or playground, you’ll need to winterize these areas as well. Failing to do so can cause extensive damage and costly repairs. Also, tenants can get injured due to the areas not being well-maintained.
Winterizing your rental property may seem like a lot of work but it’s worth the trouble. You will avoid costly property damage and other expenses that may affect your budget.
Sources
https://www.lawdepot.com/blog/winterizing-your-rental-property-a-guide-for-landlords/
https://www.renterswarehouse.com/education/15-tips-to-winter-proof-your-rental-property