Fall Maintenance Checklist to Ready Your Rental Property for Winter

Like it or not, the winter season is officially underway here in Edmonton. It is of utmost importance that necessary measures are taken to keep your precious property in peak condition. It is in the interest of our owners to have their property ready to face the elements which will only serve to attract and retain prospective tenants. Furthermore, ensuring that your property is prepared for the season can spare you from having to cover for unexpected expenses caused by the winter season. At the Rental Advisors, we take pride in ensuring that our owners have a peace of mind, knowing that they have a competent and caring full-service property management team on their side. We encourage you to follow these winter maintenance guidelines to protect your investment, while making the property even more desirable for tenants to reside in.

Start With the Roof and Eavestrough

You do not want costly damages that result from loose roof shingles, clogged rain eavestrough or gutter. A clogged gutter, combined with the melting of snow, can result in water pooling, leaks, and roof damage. Clear the gutter of leaves, twigs and other debris to prevent blockage of water flow. Then, inspect the roof for any loose or missing shingles that may result in costly repairs. Make the necessary repairs and clean the roof.

Inspect Window Seals and Insulate the House

Aging seams and weather stripping can let in cold air and allow warm air to escape. This can create an unhealthy atmosphere for the tenants and also result in increased heating bills. Inspect doors and windows, and draft-seal them with the help of caulk or foam insulators. If your window frames look damaged and are beyond repair, it might be time to consider replacing them completely. New energy efficient windows will help keep your home cool in the summer and keep warm air in during the winter and are a sound investment.

Check the Chimney and Ensure Fire Safety

If your property has a wooden stove or a fireplace, then chimney maintenance is a must, especially during fall. Make sure the flues are clear. Since the season calls for an increased use of the heating systems and fireplaces, ensure that the property is protected against any fire hazards. Replace batteries in smoke detectors and ensure that the property has a working fire extinguisher.

Prep HVAC Filters and Insulate Pipes

Nobody likes to wake up and discover a malfunctioning HVAC system or frozen pipes on a cold morning. Inspection of your rental property’s HVAC system is a routine task, which should be conducted before winters. Central heating systems run more efficiently when the filters are clear. Clean or replace all filters so that your tenants stay comfortable during the cold weather. Furthermore, frozen pipes are a nightmare and may lead to broken pipes. Insulate your pipes with foam insulators to prevent them from freezing.

Hire an Edmonton Property Rentals Manager

Property maintenance, especially fall maintenance, can be daunting. While you can hire companies or contractors to help you with fall or winter maintenance, you definitely do not want it to lead to additional costs or cheap services that can lead to improper maintenance. Property management companies take care of all the hassles that come with rental properties. Hiring a good property management company will ensure your property is well-maintained and ready for all seasons.

If you do not have the time or need help with fall maintenance for your Edmonton property rentals, call us up and we will be happy to help. And, if you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me at (780) 757-3700 Ext. 106.
At Rental Advisors, we are dedicated to making you enjoy your rental income without the stress of the day-to-day management of your property. With our expertise in residential property management, we can do that for you!