Skip to Content

Berkeley Property Owners: Don’t Neglect These Winter Tasks!

Berkeley Property Manager Reversing the Direction of a Ceiling Fan As Berkeley property managers, it’s important to realize that winter is when extra maintenance is required. Several people only consider the seasonal tasks that need to be done, like putting away outdoor furniture or turning off the sprinkler system. Although these are vital, there are other tasks you must complete during the winter months to keep your rental property in good shape. Keep reading to learn more about the most vital winter maintenance tasks for rental property owners!

Seasonal Maintenance – Exterior

Repairing any exterior damage that may have occurred during the summer is one of the most vital winter maintenance responsibilities for rental property owners. For instance, fixing cracks in windows or doors, replacing broken shingles on the roof, and restoring broken siding.

Other important exterior maintenance tasks include:

  • remove any debris from the gutters and downspouts
  • check and restore outdoor lighting
  • cover intake vents with screens to prevent rodents’ entry
  • clean and store outdoor furniture and grills
  • drain hoses and sprinkler systems and organize hoses properly in a shed or garage
  • clean and inspect all fireplaces and chimneys

Seasonal Maintenance – Interior

What’s more, there are some maintenance tasks that rental property owners must do indoors. The most vital thing is to ensure that your property is adequately insulated throughout the winter months. This may include examining and installing weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts, placing insulation in attics and basements, and insulating pipes to protect them from freezing during periods of extreme cold.

Other important interior maintenance tasks include:

  • clear and keep any window-mounted AC units
  • service your HVAC system and make sure it’s in good working order
  • reverse the direction of the ceiling fans, or provide your renters tips for how to do it (counterclockwise is ideal for cooler weather)
  • inspect the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

Ongoing Winter Maintenance

Together with seasonal maintenance, there are a handful of ongoing winter maintenance tasks that rental property owners must continue to keep an eye on.

For example, if your rental property is located in a region that has snow in winter. In this instance, one of your most important (ongoing) duties is regularly clearing snow from walkways, driveways, and steps. Be ready for snow removal with the appropriate shovels or plowing service. Furthermore, have bags of snow melt, salt, or sand close by to help keep walkways clear of ice.

In places with heavy snow or freezes, it’s necessary to monitor your rental’s roof and gutters frequently for ice dams and snow damage. Frequent cycles of thawing and freezing water can negatively affect a roof and result in flooding or other water damage. To stop spending on costly emergency repairs, keep a close eye on your property in winter weather and, if needed, partner with a professional to evaluate and repair your roof straight away.

Changing the furnace filter every three months (or more often if needed) and asking your tenants to keep interior doors open. These are two other ongoing maintenance tasks that can help improve the efficiency of your rental property’s HVAC system. This can help warm air circulate more excellently and keep the indoor air free from common pollutants.

If you want additional winter maintenance guidelines for rental property owners, it is recommended to consult with a professional who is well-versed in the specific needs of rental homes. Collaborating with an experienced Berkeley property management company like Real Property Management Pacific can help ensure your rental property stays in great shape throughout the winter and beyond. Contact us online today to learn more!

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details