Tips for Protecting Your Rental Property in the Winter

Your rental property is a valuable asset to you. You have spent a lot of your money to buy it and are using it to earn income via rent. Your property requires constant upkeep and maintenance to keep it in nice condition and keep your tenants happy. The wintertime adds to the maintenance tasks that you already must worry about when managing a rental property. Winter brings cold temperatures, snow, sleet, and ice. These conditions can be very damaging to homes and cause safety concerns for tenants. As a landlord, there are precautions that you can take to protect your home and tenants during the winter. They include:

• Inspect Your Plumbing System: The cold temperatures of the winter can cause issues with your plumbing such as frozen and cracked pipes. To prevent pipes from freezing, you can insulate them using foam insulation. If you find any cracked or leaking pipes while inspecting your plumbing, repair them immediately to prevent further damage.

• Inspect Your HVAC System: Staying warm in the winter is paramount for your tenants, home, and plumbing system. Your heating system needs to be working properly to keep your tenants warm and prevent damage caused by the frigid temperatures. Check your HVAC system for any issues and repair any that you find. We recommend that you replace your furnace air filter and get a furnace tune-up from your local HVAC company.

• Perform Roof Repairs: No one wants roof leaks, especially in the winter. You should get your roof inspected by a local roofing contractor. They will check for leaks, damaged shingles, and damaged flashings. If they find any issues, they can professionally repair them for you and ensure your roof is ready for the harsh winter.

• Clear Any Vent Obstructions: Your furnace produces toxic carbon monoxide while heating your property. That toxic gas is vented out through your chimney. Sometimes your roof vents get blocked or clogged from leaves and debris, not allowing for proper ventilation. Check your vents and remove any obstructions to ensure your property is being properly ventilated. Do not forget to check your furnace’s air intake vent too.

• Add Wall Insulation: Insulation helps keep out moisture and cold air from getting into your home. This helps keep your property and tenants warm while using less energy. This saves you money on your heating bills and puts more money into your pocket.

• Check Water Heater: If your water heater is not providing the property with hot water, your plumbing system can experience serious issues. Check your water heater for any faulty parts and get any that are found repaired quickly.

• Clean the Carpets: Having thick rugs near the entrances of the building is very useful in the winter. People track in snow, moisture, and debris on the bottom of their shoes. All these things get tracked throughout the entire property unless you have the proper precautions in place. A thick rug as soon as your tenants walk in the door will help clean their shoes the moment they step inside. However, rugs get dirty throughout the year and are not as effective when they are full of dirt and debris. So, they need to be cleaned regularly to ensure that they can perform optimally.