Spring is a crucial time for rental property maintenance, especially after a harsh winter of cold, damp weather. With the changing weather and warmer temperatures, tackling any issues that started over winter is a great way to start the season.
Spring cleaning should include both the interior and exterior of the property, including windows, siding, hvac traps, the roof, A/C units just to name a few. Let’s dive into the comprehensive list below.
1. Roof Maintenance:
Schedule a professional inspection of the roof to assess its condition and make any necessary repairs. Check in the attic with a flashlight, looking for any water seepage, discolored areas where water may have intruded in the past, and look for any daylight that is coming in to ensure any holes critters may have made get plugged. Unfortunately, many rodents force their way in during the winter months and dealing with their entry and exit holes is a must.
2. Gutters and Drainage:
Check gutters and downspouts for damage and clean out any debris to ensure proper drainage. You’d be surprised by the junk that gets caught in the gutters including toys and bottles from passersby who toss things up on the roof. It's important to clean out all of the gutters and to check the drains that they are free flowing.
3. HVAC Systems:
Schedule an inspection and maintenance of HVAC systems to ensure that they are working efficiently. Change air filters, clean ducts, and check for any leaks or damage, clean out the condensation traps. Check the pressure of the system to ensure there are no leaks. A system that is running inefficiently will cost more in electric by running harder than it needs and will burn out the motors faster.
4. Electrical Systems:
Check electrical systems,such as lighting, outlets, and switches, to ensure that they are working properly. Repair or replace any outlets, switches or lights that aren’t not working properly. This could be a great time to upgrade lighting to LED lighting when things need to be changed out.
5. Window and Door Maintenance:
Check windows and doors for damage and repair or replace any that are in poor condition. Check the seals and weather stripping to ensure that they are providing adequate insulation. Open and close all windows checking that they are able to freely glide open and have tension to stay open. Any windows that lack tension must be repaired as any person using that window may be gravely injured by the window slamming down without control. Check all doors by looking for gaps under, above and on the sides. Anywhere air can escape will make the A/C and heat less effective. Replacing weather stripping is an easy fix for this issue.
6. Pest Control:
Pest infestations can be a problem, including rodents and insects. Schedule regular pest control services to keep these issues at bay. In the spring, we commonly see ant activity start up and more mice as they come out from hiding and start multiplying. Refresh any rat/mouse traps and insect traps to catch anything on its way in or out of the property. When spraying for insects, make sure to spay all around the sill plate, and every window and door, as well as around porches and decks.
7. Plumbing:
Check for any leaks or damage to the pipes, including toilets, sinks, and showers. Look for existing drips where staining is occurring. Replace seals and valves where necessary, call a plumber for bigger jobs. This is one area where it pays to hire the right person so it can be fixed once and done. If the basement has an exposed ceiling, check the pipes for any leaks that may have started over the winter.
8. Landscaping:
Rake up any leaves so the grass won’t die off. Prune trees and shrubs, plant flowers, and fertilize the lawn to create an attractive outdoor space. Treat any gaps in the driveway and walkway with weed killer to prevent weeds from taking root.
9. Pool Maintenance:
If your rental property has a pool, spring is a good time to start preparing it for the summer months. Schedule a professional inspection, to clean and treat the water, as well as check the pumps and filters, to ensure that they are working properly. The sooner you schedule service, the easier it will be to get an appointment. Don’t wait until June to think about the pool if your tenants are lucky enough to have one on your rental property.
Being proactive and taking steps to address potential problems before they arise can really keep the maintenance bills down to a minimum.
If you have questions or would like to discuss property management services for your investment property, give us a call at 443.252.3385 or email us at info@bluedoor-pm.com today!
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