Getting Your Rental Property Ready for Fall: Part Two

In part two of our series, we are taking a look at the next five jobs that should be on your fall landlord maintenance checklist to ensure both your rental property and your tenants are safe this fall and winter season.

Check and Service the Chimney

If your rental property has a chimney, now is the time to clean it. This is usually best left to the professionals. Without a clean flue or a working chimney, carbon monoxide can build up in the unit, causing dangerous potential risks.

Check Window Insulation

Check the insulation in the window frame. This will safeguard windows from letting in extra cold air during the winter. If you don’t have experience, this may be another job for a professional. Doing so can save money on your heating and cooling costs throughout the year.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Any branches hanging over power lines are a recipe for disaster. Trim back low-hanging limbs to make sure the rental property keeps power all season long. Get trimming now and avoid disaster later.

Check Generators

If your rental property has a backup generator, it’s time to check the status. Make sure it’s ready to run for the winter season. Offering tenants a backup generator is a great selling point, but make sure it runs when needed.

Service Your Heating Unit

Call in the professionals to perform maintenance on your heating unit. It will be working hard to fight winter temperatures, so it is best to make sure the unit is in great shape before the season starts. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your system, so have it serviced at least once annually.

Getting your rental property in order before the change of seasons lets your residents know you are a responsible landlord. They need to know they can count on you during the winter season, so be sure to run a safety check of the property before the snowflakes start to fall. It will save you time and expenses later on in the season.