As the colder months approach, preventative maintenance for your rental property is key to ensure that your property retains value and satisfies tenants. Here are 7 ways landlords and property managers in Waco can protect rental properties this winter:
Have Your Heating System Serviced
It is important to have your heating unit serviced twice a year – prior to the winter and summer months. Technicians will run diagnostic tests to ensure that the system is running properly, and change the necessary filters, UV lights, etc. Failing to tend to your system prior to winter could be the cause of major issues down the road, when it is cold and heat is needed the most.
Seal Any Cracks Around Doors and Windows
Weatherproof silicone caulk is available at nearly every local hardware store, and serves as a simple and effective fix to seal cracks around doors and windows. Clear caulk is more flexible and less likely to crack or dry out, but if you need to paint over the caulk, a latex caulk would be the best option. If the space around the door is larger, consider weatherstripping the perimeter. Tending to these cracks will not only help your heating system operate efficiently – keeping utility costs down, but will also prevent litter critters from making their way indoors.
Winterize Indoor and Outdoor Plumbing
Wrap up any pipes that are near exterior walls or located outside, and close off your outdoor drain and sewer cleanouts. Doing so will help retain heat during cold winter days, preventing pipes from freezing when temperatures drop rapidly.
Prune Trees that Surround the Property
Trees and plants enter a dormant state during the colder months, making it the ideal time to prune them. Property managers should hire a tree-trimming company to tend to any large branches, especially those that are located near the rental property. Should an ice storm hit, or a larger storm in the spring, these branches could cause damage, so proactive maintenance is key.
Prepare a Snow and Ice Removal Plan
While Waco doesn’t usually have a white Christmas, snow and ice storms are not unheard of! Have a proper plan in place to ensure that your property will in fact be tended to should a storm make its way through. Remember, ice on your property is a huge liability.
Check Your Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Property managers should check fire and carbon monoxide alarms twice a year to ensure batteries are working that there are no issues. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that detectors be replaced once they are 10 years old, so property managers should also be aware of when they will need a new one.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with all that managing your rental property entails, feel free to contact us at 254-401-0400. We are a locally owned and operated property management company that manages real estate properties for landlords across Waco, TX and the Central Texas area. We’d love to hear from you!
Wishing you a wonderful winter!
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.
