If you’re a landlord or property manager and you have a vacancy in the winter months, what you can do? The rental market during this time of year can be as cold as the temperatures, and it’s entirely possible you may be dealing with this vacancy longer than you’d like.
Don’t stress out – use this as an opportunity to improve your property. In doing so, you can prepare it for the season, cut down on future repairs or maintenance costs, and get it in better shape for potential tenants.
Zenith Properties NW recommends these ten helpful tips for landlords and property owners in the winter. These are intended to help make your rental more marketable, energy efficient, and safe for when Old Man Winter hits – and before you know it spring rental season will be here again.
Top 10 Winter Maintenance Tips for Landlords and Property Managers
- Insulate, insulate, insulate – If the property is under-insulated, you would be amazed at what adding adequate insulation will do. It’s not just a big impact on the comfort of the home (in both summer and winter), making for happier tenants – it will also save energy costs due to improved heating and cooling efficiency.
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Is there a draft in the room? Check your windows and consider sealing gaps with caulk. Is there a draft in here? – Sealing around your doors and windows will also make a big impact on heating efficiency. Walk around and inspect the windows and doors. Weatherstripping and caulking can wear down over time and cause warm air to escape.
- Consider upgrading – If your budget allows for it, invest in new and updated appliances. Modern HVAC systems and tankless water heaters are drastically more energy efficient compared to their older counterparts.
- Clean gutters and downspouts – Gutters and downspouts are easy to forget, but neglecting to maintain them can cause problems. Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to soil erosion, foundation cracks, and standing water – which attracts pests. They can also affect the integrity of your roofing.
- Install a programmable or smart thermostat – Smart thermostats are fairly inexpensive and can save significantly on heating costs.
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An inexpensive faucet cover you can get at a home improvement store. Weatherproof exterior pipes – Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on plumbing systems. Frozen pipes can crack and burst, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Shut off outside pipes at the mains and ensure they’re drained, including the irrigation system. Cover spigots with insulated faucet covers. They’re affordable and found at most hardware stores.
- Prepare for storms – Winter brings rain, sleet, and snow. If any structural weaknesses in the property could be worsened during a storm, fix them proactively. The same goes for old or damaged trees. It’s easier to remove a tree before a storm than to deal with the aftermath of a fallen tree afterward.
- Get your chimney cleaned – If there’s a fireplace, get it cleaned by a professional. Creosote buildup, leaves, and bird nests can create fire hazards.
- Flush the water heater – Sediment can accumulate at the bottom of a water heater, creating hot spots that can damage the tank in gas water heaters or cause the heating element to fail in electric-powered ones. Drain water heaters at least once a year to eliminate this buildup.
- Up on the rooftop – Give the roof a good inspection to identify loose or missing shingles. Winter can be a tricky time to replace a roof, but you’ll be able to undertake the project as soon as weather conditions improve.
Zenith Properties NW – Property Management Pros in Vancouver WA and Clark County
Like a farmer’s field needs to occasionally lay fallow, temporary vacancies can also be valuable to rentals to refresh and return better than ever. So we recommend looking at your vacant property as a unique opportunity to go to work on some essential wintertime maintenance.
Do you own rental property? Want to ensure it receives expert care through every season, reach out to our property management team. With over two decades of property management experience in the Pacific Northwest, Zenith Properties NW can help you maximize your investment while minimizing maintenance headaches.
Contact us today to learn how we can transform your property management experience.
Winter Maintenance Tips for Vacant and Ready-to-Rent Properties
Zenith Properties - Property Managers in Vancouver WA