9 Helpful Tips to Prepare Your Rental Property for the Fall Season

No matter what kind of real estate you own, you’re going to run into your fair share of repairs.

However, proper preventative maintenance can save you thousands down the road. Here are some helpful tips to prepare your rental for the Fall season.

1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Cleaning leaves and debris from your gutters can be a lifesaver come winter. Gutters can easily become clogged with leaves and twigs, which can lead to blockages. And pooling water, once frozen, can cause damage to your gutters and roof. It’s a good idea to clean the gutter and downspouts in the fall, while at the same time, checking to ensure that they’re free of cracks and damage. You’ll also want to check to make sure the downspouts are draining away from the building.

2. Inspect the Roof

Having an annual inspection of your roof is a great preventative maintenance step. Even small leaks can cause extensive water damage; including deterioration of insulation, crumbling and damaged drywall, and mildew. If your roof is starting to show signs of age, consider having it professionally inspected each fall, and be sure to make any necessary repairs before winter.

3. Perform HVAC Maintenance

Now is the time to get your rental’s heating system inspected, serviced, and cleaned. Regular maintenance can help extend your furnace’s life and will also help to prevent mid-winter heating emergencies. Be sure to change the filter during fall maintenance; keeping in mind that this is something that should be done every 6 months or so. If your rental has an A/C unit, now is the time to wrap it for the winter months as well.

4. Check Weather Stripping and Insulation

It’s no secret that a well-insulated house/apartment can help to lower heating expenses. Start by checking the weather stripping around the doors and windows to make sure it hasn’t become cracked and brittle over time. You can also help to prevent drafts from coming in between the window or door casings by removing the trim and spraying foam insulation between the gaps. While it can be a time-consuming process, sealing gaps around doors and windows can cut energy costs by up to 15% over the course of the winter.

5. Check and Replace Batteries

This is also a good time to replace the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and test them to make sure they’re working. Consider making this a part of your biannual maintenance routine.

6. Check the Dryer(s)

If you provide dryers and washers at your rentals, it’s important to check-in on them. Lint in the ductwork can present a fire hazard, so be sure to check the dryer’s lint trap and vacuum out the ductwork, to clean out any built-up lint or debris.

7. Remove Unstable Branches

Precarious branches can be hazardous during the winter. Ice storms and strong winds can cause unstable branches to fall, so any branches that are near your building, or dangerously close to power lines, should be trimmed back before winter hits.

8. Winterize Irrigation Systems

All garden hoses should be stowed for the winter as well. If you have irrigation systems and sprinklers at your rental, now is the time to switch them off. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for winterizing, to ensure that they’ll be in good shape next year.

9. Winterize the Pool

If your property has a pool, it’ll need to be covered before the winter months arrive as well. Covering it up before the leaves start to fall will prevent them from clogging up the filtration system.