Tips to Protect Your Tenants and Rental Property From Winter Weather
December is a great time to think about your rental property through the lens of winter maintenance. Problems with pipes, gutter issues and drafty windows are just the tip of the iceberg when preparing your rental unit for the elements. Wet weather, paired with the occasional cold spurt, can be a recipe for disaster and mishaps waiting to happen!
At Oak City Properties, we understand that winterizing your rental property is one way to reduce tenant phone calls and complaints due to winter weather emergencies. To help prepare your rental tenants for the cold weather and protect your property, we put together some tips to winterize your property.
A Visual Inspection of the Property
Inspecting your rental property from top to bottom is the first step to a successful winterizing routine. A visual home inspection is a great way to assess the current condition of your property and identify any potential problems that may occur in the future. A good visual inspection should focus on the interior and exterior of the property.
Interior Inspect Areas:
- Inspect the electrical and heating systems to make sure they are working properly
- Inspect all plumbing fixtures for leaks and make sure drains work properly
- Look at the foundation of the property by accessing the basement or crawl space — inspect the ceiling and walls for cracks
- Inspect the window and door seals for any drafts or leaking concerns
- Provide a visual inspection of the attic for stability and condition of the wood, railing and stairs
- Check to make sure all fire and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly
Exterior Inspection Areas:
- Inspect the roof of the home, including the flashing, chimney, gutter and downspouts
- Focus on any drainage problems or standing water issues around the home’s exterior
- Make sure to inspect the exterior walls of the property and the foundation
- Focus on the grading around the foundation for any potential concerns with water
- Check for environmental problems such as mold and mildew growth
- Make sure tree foliage is removed and all landscaping is cut back (trees, limbs, bushes)
Maximize Energy Efficiency
Heating and energy bills can take a toll on tenants in winter. To help your renters, consider doing the following.
- Reverse the ceiling fans to force warm air back down into the room
- Add insulation to the attic space for optimal heat retention
- Service the HVAC system to improve efficiency and avoid any costly breakdowns during the colder months
Ready the Unit for Possible Snow
While snow isn’t a big concern in North Carolina, it does make an appearance once or twice during the winter months. So to help keep your tenants safe, take some time to think about what they may need.
- Make sure a snow shovel is on the property
- Have bags of Rock Salt at each property
- Provide each tenant with a “Storm Preparation Tip Sheet”
- Give tips on how to prepare for winter weather and what to do without power
- Provide tenants with emergency numbers such as the power company and how to contact you if a problem were to arise
Consider Getting Help
Maintenance for landlords is inevitable, but thinking ahead and winterizing your rental unit could prevent issues from occurring down the road. Hiring a qualified property management team is one of the best ways to protect your property and streamline daily operations regarding winter maintenance. At Oak City Properties, we provide custom solutions and competitive quotes that tailor our services to what you really need. Our full property management service will work with you each step of the way when renting and maintaining your property. We believe hiring a property management company should be a transparent process built on trust and doing our absolute best to take care of your investment.
Want to learn more about our commitment to effective real estate investing and property management? Contact us or give us a call at (919) 232-9222. Feel free to also check out our website at oakcityproperties.com or check out our Facebook Page.
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