If you own a rental property, that means you are also responsible for keeping it in good condition. This entails many necessary repairs and general maintenance. If you’ve found quality tenants, then it’s essential to carry out these tasks in a timely manner to keep them happy and in contract.
However, if your property is vacant, completing maintenance and make-ready tasks are more critical than ever because you’ll want to ensure it looks its best before it goes to market. Furthermore, doing it right the first time will make your property stand out and attract more potential tenants.
And there’s no better time to spruce up your rental than after a harsh winter. The main reason is that extreme weather conditions can cause plenty of damage – and sometimes it’s damage that you cannot see until you’ve done a proper walkthrough. So, here are a few tips to prepare your rental property for spring after a harsh winter.
No. 1 – Carefully inspect the exterior when preparing your rental property for spring
Over time, snow, ice and freezing temperatures will deteriorate the outside of your rental. Therefore, the first thing you should do is carefully inspect the exterior of your property. Here’s what you should look for:
- Roof damage is a significant concern because it can cause many additional issues. So, grab a ladder and look for loose or missing shingles and detached, rusted, or bent roof flashing. You should immediately call a professional to handle the repairs if you identify any problems.
- Clogged gutters represent another issue that you must address. Otherwise, this can cause overflows or water leaking into the basement and foundation. As a result, you should thoroughly clean the gutters of any debris. That can include dirt, leaves, and pine needles.
- Pest infestations are widespread because animals and insects seek warm spaces to get them through winter. Unfortunately, pests also cause a lot of damage to the property. Therefore, you should examine the home’s outside and inside for droppings, nests, and wear. Contact a pest control inspector if you’re unsure what to look for.
No. 2 – Add a fresh coat of paint
When preparing your rental property for spring, you should consider adding a fresh coat of paint. That will immediately spruce up the home’s interior space. And not to mention that it’s very cost-efficient. And don’t focus solely on the inside of the property. Moving and storage consultants advise removing any outdoor furniture and giving the exterior a fresh coat of paint as well.
No. 3 – Examine the HVAC systems
Check the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning units every season to avoid costly repairs. And don’t forget about routine maintenance, such as cleaning or changing the filters. If you don’t know anything about HVAC systems, it would be best to let professionals handle these tasks. Moreover, you should also check if the air-conditioning unit is working correctly in spring. Otherwise, your tenants won’t be pleased when the summer heat kicks in.
No. 4 – Improve the curb appeal
Improving the curb appeal will help you attract more potential tenants and even increase the value of your rental property. Thus, you should pay close attention to this. Start by trimming the trees and hedges. Then, remove all the debris and inspect the lawn. If you notice any bare spots, it’s time to spread some seeds. Once the grass starts growing again, make time to mow it regularly or hire lawn mowing professionals to do it for you. Spring is also the best time to plant flowers or any other local plants that will improve certain aspects of your yard.
No. 5 – Clean the windows
Cleaning the windows is crucial when preparing your rental property for spring after a harsh winter. Because all that rain and snow will cover them with dirt, cleaning them will help improve curb appeal. Additionally, it will brighten up your rental by letting more natural light in. And this is always a variable that attracts potential tenants.
No. 6 – Do some spring cleaning
A messy and dirty property will immediately scare off tenants. Therefore, before placing your rental on the market, you should declutter and clean it thoroughly. Throw away all broken or worn-out items and sell or donate those in good condition. As for the valuables or other stuff you want to keep, you should move them into storage. Consider cleaning, decluttering and organizing your storage space to prepare it for more items. Your rental property should be completely empty so that the next potential tenant can truly envision it as their home.
Final thoughts
Being a landlord is not an easy job. As you’ve seen in this guide to preparing your rental property for spring after a harsh winter, there’s much to take care of. You must invest time and money to keep your rental in tip-top condition. If you’re unsure you’re up for the job, you should consider hiring a property manager. While this is a nominal additional cost, it’s worth it long term. Firstly, it will enable you to focus on other essential aspects of your life. Secondly, it will help keep your tenants happy, which is good for business.
By: Kayla Gonzales, 1836PM Marketing Manager
