While the temperature in Texas hasn’t cooled down yet – make no mistake, it will. To protect your investment, follow this fall home maintenance checklist for your rental property to prepare it and you for the season ahead:
Routine Maintenance
When is the last time you inspected your rental property? Most likely at the beginning of the current lease period. While this is routine, it can be extremely beneficial to inspect your rental property before the start of each season – especially fall and winter. Why? Inspecting your property when the weather starts cooling down allows you to notice gaps and cracks where cold air is entering your property. With this in mind, head out to your property and inspect all doors, windows and even outlets. Complete these inspections in the fall before the temperature cools down too much. Why? Repairs are much easier to complete in September and October than in December or January. Fixing these problems ahead of time will make for happier tenants and less stress on you when the winter weather hits.
Clean the Gutters
Be proactive and clean out your rain gutters before the colder weather arrives. While you’re up there, inspect the gutters for loose connections and make repairs if necessary. Does this seem too time-consuming? There’s an easier way! A strong leaf blower cuts the maintenance time in half. If you don’t have one, you can rent one from the Home Depot here.
Inspect the Roof
While you’re cleaning the gutters, check the roof for any missing shingles or other repairs that may need to be completed.
Tree Maintenance
One bad storm and one tree branch later can completely wreck your investment. To avoid problems down the road, take a look at your trees and remove any branches that could be an issue for your rental property. Removing tree branches ahead of time, while a pain, can save you money and headache.
Furnace
The middle of fall is usually when the furnace is turned on for the season. To ensure a long life for your furnace, consider changing out the filter every year – typically the beginning of fall. Maintenance on your furnace takes five minutes and is absolutely worth it!
HVAC Unit
Chances are, your HVAC unit has been working its tail off this summer – especially in the heat of Texas. How can you increase its life? Winterize it at the end of summer. How do you do this? Here is a helpful article to help you.
Ensures your investment has a long life and follow this fall home maintenance checklist for your rental property!
Do you have any questions or need assistance with any of these maintenance items? We would be happy to help – give us a call anytime.
