Spring is a time of renewal. And for landlords, there is no better time to do all those important cleaning and maintenance tasks than spring. While Hewitt rental homes need maintenance year-round, spring presents a unique opportunity to check your properties for a few specific things. Although spring cleaning and maintenance can seem to be like an endless array of tasks, these things cannot be left unperformed.
Season-specific cleaning and maintenance items can involve either the interior or exterior of your rental homes – or both. But spring is the best season to get all these little jobs done. There are some tasks that are not easy to do in winter temperatures and tasks that are all about checking the damage caused by the previous season and its storms and freezing temperatures. For example, it’s important to examine concrete areas each year, including foundation, driveway, walkways, patios, and more, for new cracks or gaps. Windows and doors, too, need to be checked for cracks and gaps (including weather-stripping) and repaired or replaced. Window and door screens collect a lot of debris and dirt in the winter, making spring the most ideal time to clean them. The roof should be checked for loose, missing, or damaged materials, and any leaves or debris cleared out of the gutters and downspouts.
Aside from the big items, you need to check on smaller features as well. Exterior door hardware should be checked, and squeaky hinges or broken locks repaired or replaced. Exterior trim might need some touch-ups here and there, and exterior wood elements should be checked to determine if they need to be refinished or sealed. And don’t skip the outdoor light fixtures – you may need to replace some of the bulbs.
When planning your spring cleaning, be sure to include the needs of the yard as well. Sprinkler systems and outdoor faucets should be tested and turned on if winterized. Dead leaves and branches may have fallen during the winter, so once spring arrives, a general clean-up may be needed. Spring is also a great time to fertilize lawns, trees, and other vegetation.
Going a bit further, spring is the best time to take a look at the perimeter fences and freestanding mailboxes. Broken fence slats will need to be replaced, and wobbly or failing posts repaired. Gate hardware should be examined for rust or other issues and repaired as needed. Finally, spring is the best time to take a look at the home’s garbage cans and see what condition they are in. If the lids don’t fit properly or holes have begun to appear, it may be time to look for replacements.
This is really only a starting point for a full and thorough spring cleaning & maintenance list. With such a long list of things to do, it would be prudent to hire a team of professionals who can handle the process for you. When you hire Real Property Management Talent, you won’t need to bother about spring maintenance. We will make it a point that seasonal tasks will be completed thoroughly and promptly. If you are interested in working with Real Property Management Talent or still have questions, feel free to contact us online or by phone at 254-401-0400.
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