Owning a rental property means conducting move-in inspections, staying on top of routine maintenance. While some seasonal repairs and inspections may seem obvious, there are some you may be overlooking. Here is a list of yearly items to inspect in your rental property. This will ensure your property remains in outstanding condition.
Seasonal Maintenance
As each season brings different weather and conditions, it’s important to maintain a decent yearly schedule. Spring is a great time to inspect and prevent moisture damage. Summer is all about warm weather, outdoor spaces, and summer pest control.
Fall is the best time to animal-proof your property and ensure that animals don’t move inside when cold weather comes. Winter maintenance is vital for preventing damage and winterizing the home.
Spring
I. Spring Cleaning
Spring is a great time to get outside and work on the landscape of your rental property. Clear away any debris and ensure that you trim trees and shrubs away from the roofing and siding of the home.
It's also the perfect time to inspect and clean the HVAC system. Winter dampness can lead to mold issues, so spring is a great time to inspect for mold in the rental property.
II. Inspect Siding
Spring is a great time to pressure wash the exterior of the home. During your cleaning, you can also inspect the home for chipped or cracking paint. Exposed siding can lead to rot, so a fresh coat of paint goes a long way here. If any of the sidings is broken or damaged, replace it right away to prevent further damage.
III. Gutter Cleaning
Gutters are much more important than people realize. It's crucial to clean the gutters before and after the wet seasons. During winter, debris can become trapped in the gutters and cause leaks.
That leads to expensive damage to roofs and the interior of the home if a leak occurs. Overflowing gutters can also lead to expensive foundation issues.
To avoid having to clean the gutters, you could install a Leaf Relief system.
IV. Outdoor Spaces
Before summer starts, get outdoor spaces like pools, fire pits, and grills clean and working. Service the irrigation system and ensure you set sprinklers to optimal summer use settings.
Unfortunately, warm weather also means a rise in bugs, ants, mosquitoes, wasps, spiders, and more. If you choose to treat with pesticides, ensure that you do so seasonally to stop them before it becomes a big problem.
2. Summer
Summer Safety
There are several things you can do to prevent summer fires. Trim bushes and trees and ensure you remove dead limbs. Ensure grills are ventilated and positioned safely. Review your state’s laws on fire extinguisher requirements and test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Additionally, you can check the amenities and renovate any areas that require it.
3. Fall Inspection
As the temperatures begin to drop, shift your focus to autumn maintenance tasks. That includes inspections and preventative maintenance to keep your rental in top condition.
I. Exterior Inspections
Fall is a great time to check for inexpensive maintenance issues like areas that need caulking, debris that needs removal, or vegetation that requires trimming. It is also the perfect time to inspect the property’s roof. Check for loose or missing shingles and fix any issues before they become big expensive problems.
II. Fall Safety
Inspect your property to ensure safety against falls. Inspect supports, deck railings, patios, and entryways. Ensure that handrails are accessible and can support someone in case of a slip.
III. Roof Inspection
Ice, rain, snow, rapidly changing temperatures, and humidity can wreak havoc on your roof. Have a roofer in Northern Virginia inspect the roof during the fall and check for missing or loose shingles. Even a small area of damage can lead to water exposure.
It can cause deterioration to insulation, wood, and drywall, which makes your electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems vulnerable. Because this is such an important area, you should always have a licensed, certified roofing professional check the condition of your roof once a year.
IV. Clogged Gutters
As the leaves begin to fall, it is essential to clean out the gutters and ensure that downspouts are clear. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams in freezing temperatures. That can cause gutters to break entirely, which leads to foundation and structure damage.
V. Animal Proofing
As the temperatures drop, animals begin seeking refuge and warmer temperatures. If your attic or basement is easily accessible, they will move right in. To prevent this, caulk small holes and block larger openings.
It is also the best time to inspect the insulation in your attic. Not only does it help with utility costs, but it also helps prevent damage from ice.
Winter
With winter comes freezing temperatures and winter storms. Ensure that pipes are insulated and won’t free or burst during temperature drops. Outdoor spigots need to be insulated as well.
You should also remove any debris and vegetation that could cause damage during a storm. Heavy snow and ice can cause unstable branches to break, leading to damaged and obstructed walkways.
Inspecting Windows and Doors
Before winter weather hits, ensure that all windows and doors are in good condition and properly sealed. If there are any gaps, seal them with caulking. If the windows or doors are in poor condition, replace them. Windows and doors need to be in top shape to keep out the cold and moist winter weather.
Yearly Items to Inspect on Your Rental Property
With proper care and maintenance, you can prevent property damage and keep your rental property in great condition. For help with managing your rental property, contact RentEasy today!
