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12 Things You Can Do To Prepare Your Rental for Winter

Winter is right around the corner, and it’ll be here quicker than you know! Now’s the time to prepare your rental for the winter season. There are several things you can do to keep your property and tenants safe and comfortable throughout the cold, snow, and ice. Read along to learn more about how to prepare your rental property for winter. 

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Snow-covered house with trees, illustrating the need to prepare your rental for winter.Why Should You Prepare Your Rental for Winter?

Preparing rental properties for winter is an essential maintenance task for Northern Virginia property managers and rental owners. After all, winters can be brutally cold, and large amounts of ice or snowfall can impact your property in many ways. Here are some of the main reasons why it’s so important to winterize your rental property. 

  • Prevent Property DamageHarsh winter weather can cause damage to your property, whether it’s frozen pipes, roof leaks, or HVAC system malfunctions. Preparing for the winter can help avoid these issues and the costs that come with them.
  • Keep Tenants ComfortableTenant safety and comfort should be a top priority for rental owners. So, ensuring that heating systems, insulation, and weatherproofing are in good condition is crucial to avoiding complaints.
  • Improve Energy EfficiencyWinterizing your property can help improve energy efficiency, lowering heating costs. For instance, sealing windows and doors helps lower energy usage, benefiting both landlords and tenants.
  • Avoid Emergency Repairs- Large winter storms or freezing temperatures can lead to emergencies, like burst pipes or heating failures. That said, preparing for these potential issues in advance can help avoid costly repairs.
  • Comply With Legal ObligationsLandlords are required by law to maintain a habitable environment for tenants. That said, this includes providing adequate heating and ensuring the property is weatherproofed for winter months.

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12 Things You Can Do to Prepare Your Rental for Winter

When it comes to preparing your rental for winter months, no action is too big or too small. There are plenty of ways you can winterize your property, both inside and out. Here are 20 things you can do to make sure the interior and exterior of your rentals are ready for cold, ice, and snow.

12 Things You Can Do To Prepare Your Rental for Winter

How to Winterize the Interior of Your Rental

  1. Inspect and Service the HVAC SystemOne of the first steps to ensuring a comfortable winter for your tenants is making sure your heating system is in good condition. Schedule an HVAC inspection and make sure the filters are replaced to prevent any potential breakdowns.
  2. Seal Windows and Doors- Drafty windows and doors can make for an uncomfortable winter. You can fix this by applying weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to keep the property warm and lower heating costs.
  3. Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke DetectorsOne of the simplest things you can do, which should be done regularly, is test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Ensure they’re working properly, and replace the batteries if needed to ensure tenant safety.
  4. Reverse Ceiling FansAnother simple thing you can do to make your rental more comfortable for tenants during the winter is reverse ceiling fans. When they rotate clockwise, they push warm air down and improve heating efficiency.
  5. Ensure Proper InsulationYou’ll want to inspect the insulation in walls, attics, and basements to ensure it’s still in good condition. You may also want to insulate your hot water heater and exposed pipes to prevent heat loss or burst pipes.
  6. Test for LeaksFinally, inspect pipes for any leaks or cracks, especially in colder areas. If there are any leaks or signs of cracking, repair them immediately to prevent freezing or bursting during colder months.

Exterior Winterization Tasks for Your Rental

  1. Inspect the Roof and GuttersInspecting the roof and gutters before the snow falls can prevent leaks and water damage. So, check the roof for damaged or missing shingles and clean out the gutters to prevent ice dams or damage caused by melting snow.
  2. Look for Cracks in the Siding- Cracks can let in cold air or moisture, which isn’t pleasant for the tenants living in your rental. Inspect the exterior siding for cracks or gaps and seal them with caulk or repair them as needed.
  3. Install Storm Doors and Windows If your property is in an area that faces harsh winters, you may want to install storm doors and windows. These add an extra layer of protection against harsh weather and improve the energy efficiency of the home.
  4. Ensure Proper Drainage- Water that doesn’t drain properly can damage your rental home. Clear gutters, downspouts, and nearby drains to ensure water drains away from the foundation.
  5. Winterize Outdoor FaucetsYou’ll also want to shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain hoses that are outside and protect them with faucet covers to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
  6. Prep the Yard and LandscapingFinally, you don’t want to forget about yard and lawn maintenance for the winter. You’ll want to trim trees and bushes near the property and remove any debris that may cause damage during storms.

Protect Your Property With Professional Management

Knowing how to prepare your rental for winter can save you emergency maintenance costs and help keep your tenants happy during the colder months. Remember, there’s no action too big or too small when it comes to protecting your rental property. 

One of the best things you can do to protect your rentals is to hire professional property management, like Bay Property Management Group! Not only will we ensure your rental is well-maintained 24/7, but we can help find tenants who will take care of it, too. 

Contact BMG today to learn more about our full-service management throughout Baltimore, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC.