Fact or Fiction: Keeping Tenants Cool is a Landlord’s Responsibility
July 17, 2018
Getting Your Rental Property Ready for Fall: Part Two
August 21, 2018
As fall approaches, winter is right on its tail. There are quite a few jobs landlords need to get completed before the change of seasons. We’ve compiled a list of a few tasks to help you keep your residents comfortable during the weather transition.
Check Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping keeps doors and windows sealed tight against the elements. They are important in blocking out drafts, especially around wooden doors that tend to warp in the changing weather conditions. Head to the local hardware store and pick some up to line the doors of your rental properties, saving money on your energy bill all season long.
Caulk Windows
Check windows for drafts. Use a tube of caulk to seal up any holes, cracks or gaps in the window frame before the winter weather sets in. Even small leaks can cause a big energy loss on your utility bill.
Replace HVAC Filters
When these filters become dirty and clogged, it causes your unit to work twice as hard, decreasing the life of the machine. Replacing filters regularly expands the life of your equipment, saving you money in the long run. Check filters in the fall and the spring for best results.
Patch Exterior Holes
Check the outside of your rental properties for any holes. Rodents, squirrels and other animals can chew holes right through the side of your home, creating a gap in the insulation. It is important to spot these holes and to patch them before the cold winter weather sneaks in, creating drafts and cold air leaks.
Insulate Water Pipes
Without a working water heater, the running water temperature will be too cold for comfort for the fall and winter months. Insulating the pipes can keep the heat inside of the pipes, and help to lower energy bills as a result.
Inspect Your Thermostat
It’s important to inspect the various thermostats installed in your rental properties. Can they handle the upcoming fall and winter season? Is everything functioning properly, or does it need to be replaced? Consider a unique thermostat that does not allow your tenant to set a too-low or too-high temperature. Now is the time to complete these updates for your tenants before the weather really changes.
Landlords are responsible for heating systems in the fall and winter, so by completing these small tasks NOW, you can increase the life of your heating units and decrease the money spent on energy bills.
