Being a Hampton landlord is a full-time job! From spring to summer and from fall to winter, there is plenty of seasonal property maintenance to keep any property owner busy, busy, busy! If you want your tenants to stay happy—and your properties to stay in pristine condition—then you’ll want to stay one step ahead of potential problems. To accomplish this, you'll need to keep up with your upkeep!
With all the different tasks facing a landlord both inside and outside of any rental home, a little organization can go a long way! At Renters Warehouse Hampton Roads, we know that sorting your tasks into proper groups can often make or break the level of service you provide to your renters.
With that in mind, we put together this quick overview of seasonal property maintenance to help harried landlords find a little peace!
Fall Into Your Winter Maintenance With These Tips!
It’s vital to start your seasonal maintenance before it gets too chilly in the Hampton area. At Renters Warehouse Hampton Roads, we stand behind the notion that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. While winters in Hampton are more rain than snow, cold weather can wreak havoc on your rental property if you're not prepared properly!
Bring autumn in with a bang by prepping your properties to perform the best they can in the winter to come! Here are a few of our favorite go-to items to get a handle on seasonal property maintenance for this time of year.
- Tree trimming: Pruning any trees on your investment property make them less likely to snap during storms, which could result in them hitting your rental home—or a neighbor. Take note of any dead branches and trim as your trees enter dormancy in late fall. Unlike lawncare, the specialized skills required of tree trimming generally mean this job falls to landlords—not tenants—so taking a proactive approach is important.
- Pipe coverage: Make sure your pipes are adequately covered or insulated. Also, educate your tenants about caring for the pipes when the temperatures dip below freezing. You don’t want to deal with pipes bursting in the middle of January! It's also time to winterize your outdoor fixtures as well: unhook and drain water hoses, sprinkler systems, and spigots for the coming winter.
- Roof inspections: Get on the roof or bring in a professional to check for any weak areas, missing shingles, or damage. You don’t want any water getting inside your rental! This is also a good time to check that your chimney (if you have one) is sealed tight so no moisture can get in.
- Gutter cleaning: Clean gutters go hand in hand with a healthy roof. If you have debris in your gutters, this can create ice dams that spell disaster for your profits and serious damage for your rental property!
- Checking seals: Inspect the interior of the home for any windows and doors that aren’t sealed properly. Proper seals contribute to a warm and comfortable home during the cold, dry months.
- HVAC inspection: It's time to take a look at your HVAC system! Bringing in a skilled technician to ensure the HVAC for your rental is in good condition ensures your renters—and your profit margin—will have less to worry about this winter.
- Snow removal planning: The Hampton area doesn't see too much snowfall. However, it's a good idea to outline what tenants can expect to handle if we do get a dusting. Check over the lease to see that you have the specifics spelled out so that there's no confusion.
Spring Into Summer Maintenance Early!
If you can safely dip your toes into the water at Buckroe Beach, then you should already be on top of your spring and summer maintenance! Now that the cold weather temperatures are behind you, it's time to tackle some seasonal maintenance tasks that are unique to the warmer half of the year. Some things to check include:
- Windows and doors: You can expect your tenants to begin using the windows more regularly to allow some fresh air in. Ensure that windows open easily and that there are no damaged screens. You should also weatherstrip the windows as needed to make sure those spring showers stay out!
- Look for water: If there is a leak in your roof, you'll want to address that immediately. Increasing heat and moisture during the muggy summer months can give mold a foothold in your rental home—and mold spells disaster for your rental income.
- Dryer vents and fire prevention: Spring is a great time to make sure all vents are free and clear of buildup. Work with your renters to educate them on the importance of fire prevention when it comes to lint.
- Repair damaged walkways: Inspect the driveway, sidewalks, and walkways for concrete cracks and repair any damage.
- Power washing: Clean the exterior of the house, decks, patios, and garage with a rigorous power washing to keep your rental home looking brand new! If you're between tenants, this can be a great way to prep your property for the listing phase.
- Inspect the HVAC: You should get your HVAC checked at least twice a year, and instruct tenants to change air filters at least quarterly to ensure optimal performance. If your tenants have pets, the time between changes drops even lower.
- Keep an eye out for pests: Ensure no pests are invading your Hampton rental home! It’s better to nip problems in the bud before you've got a hornet's nest on the porch of your property.
Hampton Property Management Makes Maintenance a Breeze
Of course, there's no need to handle this yourself when you can have a helping hand. You can save precious time as a landlord—and money on repairs—when you allocate these tasks to a Hampton property management company! However, you can't entrust your rental property to just anyone—your pick should be reputable, professional, and knowledgeable.
When it comes to know-how, Renters Warehouse Hampton Roads has your back! We make seasonal property maintenance even easier for landlords with our FREE Seasonal Maintenance Checklist! Whether it's winter, spring, summer, or fall—our checklist can help you tackle it all! Download your free copy today to make your maintenance easier tomorrow.
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