The changing of the seasons highlights the importance that it is time to attend to maintenance issues at your rental property. Our team at Real Property Management Stellar have a few maintenance reminders and tips for property owners on how to protect your investment:
Before the colder weather arrives, you will want to ensure that your property will be protected from the elements and animals that may want to seek shelter. Ensure that water cannot get in and freeze by patching up the small holes or cracks on the exterior of the property. Look closely, these aren’t always easy to locate. And, anything you allow to remain open may invite animals that could squeeze through small spaces. You should also discourage nesting by making permanent repairs or covering open areas with either a steel mesh or aluminum flashing, depending on the animal you are barring.
Once you have secured the perimeter, check the condition of the roof. Make sure that all shingles are secure to deter moisture during a storm. Clear any debris from your rain gutters to ensure they don’t get clogged and eventually break. Trim any low hanging tree branches that touch any part of your house. Consider covering the air conditioning unit(s). Here’s a very important safety consideration from several perspectives!
Drain your garden hoses and place the hoses inside your basement, garage, or a location out of the weather. Then, cover your spigots/faucets with a covering designed to protect the water outlet from freezing. This will subsequently prevent your pipes from freezing as well. More importantly, this will ensure you have the ability to fight a fire with your garden hose(s) until the fire department arrives if the situation arises. Hopefully, this will never be needed but the ability to have access to water may be the difference in saving your property or not!
Rental Property Maintenance Moves to the Interior
To ensure energy efficiency, check all doors and windows for air leaks. Apply weather stripping or caulk to any drafty areas to keep your utility bills down, and to protect your heating system in the long term. This would also be a good time to check and make sure that the locks are still secure. If your property has a fireplace with a chimney, have it swept out to prevent fire hazards.
Having your HVAC system serviced at least once per year will help it have a longer lifespan. Ensure the filters are changed regularly. Ensure that the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have fresh batteries and are working properly. Lastly, check the attic for adequate insulation to prevent ice collection on the roof.
By performing seasonal maintenance, you are not only maintaining your property value, but you are also proactive about needed maintenance. It can also help you from making repairs when it is extremely cold or hot outside.
As the leading property management company in Gainesville GA, our professionals at Real Property Management Stellar can assist you in finding someone to perform the maintenance. Contact us today!
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