Spring maintenance checklist for rental properties
After the long, cold winter warming temperatures and the promise of spring brings a breath of fresh air. The downside? All that sunshine can put a spotlight on the damage the harsh season may have done to your rental properties. If you own or manage rental properties, it’s a good time to get started on your spring maintenance. We work with a lot of rental properties here in the Anchorage and Eagle River Alaska area and are familiar with the tasks needed to remain proactive for your properties, so we’ve put together this checklist to help.
Indoor spring maintenance
__ Change furnace filters. Completing this task is an easy way to ensure the heating system is running at top performance. Plus, regular maintenance now means less change of expensive repairs in the future.
__ Replace batteries in smoke and carbon dioxide detectors: A lot of people use Daylight Savings Time as their reminder to do this. If you haven’t yet, replace all batteries now.
__ If you have a laundry unit, inspect machines to ensure they are all working and in good shape. Also check for lint build-up in machines and in the hoses or vents, which can be a fire hazard in addition to making machines work inefficiently.
Outdoor spring maintenance
__ For public use doors, oil hinges and locks if needed. Also check weather stripping around exterior door and replace or repair if needed.
__ Clean gutters and remove all debris.
__ Check roof and exterior of all buildings for visible signs of problems. Wind, snow and extended freezing temperatures can all sorts of structural problems.
__ Inspect concrete: Walk the entire property and fix any dangerous cracks or damage. Loose concrete, as well as heavy cracking can cause injury, so be sure to repair if needed.
__ Stairwells, walkways and patios: Check supports, stairs, and railings of decks, patios, and entries. Make sure handrails can support someone if the slip on melting snow or wet floors.
__ Replace outdoor lighting: Check that all outdoor lighting is working, such as in porch lights, flood lights and landscape lighting. Check that wires are safe and bulbs are replaced as needed.
The benefits of preventative maintenance for rental properties
By doing these spring maintenance chores, you’re getting much more benefit than keeping your property safe and sound. You’re building trust and impressing tenants by visibly demonstrating concern for their safety and for keeping their living conditions in good shape. You’re also providing an opportunity for tenants to connect with you to share their praise, their concerns, and their plans for the future to help you predict occupancy rates for the coming year. All around, this little checklist can bring great rewards for rental property owners, managers and the tenants who live in them.
If you have any questions about property management in the Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla or Palmer areas, or how our services can help you, please feel free to contact us at 907-694-4800.
