4 Useful Winter Maintenance Tips for Landlords

By Alicia Geigel on January 2, 2018

For most of us, the spring and summer seasons were over as swiftly as they came, which made the arrival of winter a bit unsettling. Preparing for winter, in general, is never easy because there are so many different circumstances to consider like snow, the bitterness of the cold, etc. As a landlord, winter months are specifically concerning due to these circumstances, which have the potential to leave room for damages and repairs, certainly nothing fun to deal with on the end of the landlord or the tenant.

Preventable damages to a home during the winter months can be easily avoided through a few quick and easy checkups if you know the right things to look for. Are you a property manager or landlord unsure of how to prepare your property for the harsh winter months? Looking for some easy ways to ensure the protection of your property and the safety of your tenants? Check out my four tips on simple winter maintenance that will guarantee you and your tenants a smooth and stress-free winter.

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1.Keeping the Cold Out: If you own a property in a location where winters are bitter and intensely cold, one of the top things to consider is how to keep the cold out of your property and keep the inside of it both warm but in an inexpensive way. There are a couple ways that can help you lower the heat/electric bill but still keep your property warm, which include:

  • Invest in a Draft Stopper/Door Sweep: We all know the power of the draft that comes through underneath the door leading inside from the outside. Though it seems like a small part of your property, drafts from just one door can lower the temperature inside, forcing either you or the tenant to crank up the heat. This leaves you with a heating bill that makes you want to pull your hair out, so in the future check to see if there are strong drafts by doors and invest in a stopper, they are inexpensive and work very well!
  • Check Windows: Another way for unnecessary cold air to enter the house is through unsealed/closed windows. According to Erin Eberlin of the Balance, “especially in older windows, it is not uncommon for the top portion of the window to creep down, leaving a slight gap for air to come in. You simply have to unlock the window and push the top portion of the window up and the bottom portion of the window down to make sure it is properly closed.” Not only will this ensure the safety of your tenants by confirming that the windows close property but it also is another simple way to cut down your heating bill!

2. Water Heater Blanket: Another concern during the chilly winter months is to have nice hot water to not only shower/bathe in, but also to use for cooking purposes. Taking cold showers during the winter in frigid temperatures is certainly not pleasant. As a way to preserve hot water and to keep your heating/electric bill low, invest in a water heater blanket to help insulate the hot water and keep your bill from going through the roof. Not only are these inexpensive, but you can also buy them at just about any hardware store, making it convenient and easy to access.

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3. Seal Driveway/Sidewalk/Parking Lot: No one wants to deal with driving on top of a cracked hardtop during the winter. Ice can form due to the deep cracks, which can not only be a safety hazard for tenants, but it can also cause damage to your property, forcing you to make repairs. According to Jennifer Maughan of RentPrep.com, “What was a small crack in the fall can turn into an eyesore or a safety hazard by spring. Use a concrete sealer manufactured for just this purpose to stop the process.” Not only is this a simple task, but it also will guarantee the safety of your tenants and the success of your property as well!

4. Check for Small Holes/Openings: Animals and pests, just like us humans, want to get as close to warmth as possible during the chilly winter months. Many times, properties like your own may, unfortunately, be the victim of these pests as they can gain access to the home through small holes and openings that unless you look for, would otherwise not notice. Eberlin notes, “You will want to look for gaps around any pipes that are entering the property. You should also check for any gaps under entrance doors or garage doors. An adult mouse can slip through a gap as small as a quarter of an inch and a baby mouse can fit through even smaller holes.”

Though the winter months can be difficult, especially as an owner of a property, these few tips will not only keep your tenants happy but they will also save you money and help you run a great property!

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