Cold weather brings its own unique set of challenges for landlords and tenants. Tenants can experience hazards such as icy walkways, ice dams on roofs, and bitterly cold temperatures. As a landlord in DC, it’s essential to ensure both you and your tenants are prepared for the winter weather when it comes to your rental property.
With the winter storms our area can experience, tenants should know what they are responsible for and what you are responsible for when cold weather comes. Here are a few ways you can avoid rental property issues during the harsh winter weather.
Test Heating Components
Don’t wait until the winter weather comes full force before ensuring the heating system works. Check the heat to ensure it works properly in all areas of the house, and ensure the thermostat responds to temperature changes. You may also need to have the heating system serviced.
Having a professional check the heat and service the system can prevent common problems, especially during the winter when heating companies get busy and may not be able to handle an emergency right away. Conducting maintenance or minor repairs now can prevent emergency outages in the middle of winter.
Have the Roof Inspected
To prepare for winter weather, consider having your income property’s roofing system inspected. The roof is your property’s first line of defense against snow, freezing rain, and ice, so ensuring it’s in good shape is essential.
An experienced roofer will check all elements of the roof, including its ventilation system. Without proper ventilation, ice dams can build up and cause leaks or structural damage, both of which can quickly cause an emergency situation.
As with the heating system, having your roof inspected and getting repairs or maintenance done now can prevent emergencies, keep tenants safer, and protect your rental property.
Check in With Tenants
Whether or not your tenants are new to your rental property this winter, it’s smart to check in with them and remind them of emergency protocol as well as their responsibilities during inclement weather.
For example, tenants may need to change air filters to ensure proper heating system function or keep faucets dripping to prevent frozen pipes when they go out of town when temperatures are low.
Your tenants may also be responsible for shoveling snow or putting down salt. Touch base with renters about winter safety and responsibilities while you’re having the heating or roofing systems checked. Also, be sure that tenants have any updated contact information they may need for you, the property manager, or emergency maintenance.
Make a Backup Plan
Although you can certainly do everything you can to keep your property and your tenants safe, there will be times when the unexpected happens. Have a backup plan in the event that the heating system goes up, tenants are unable to shovel walkways, or ice dams affect the property.
Often, working with a local property management company can ensure that you always have someone to call should there be an issue and have local professionals to depend on to handle an emergency when you need it most.
Stay Safe This Winter
Protect your income property and keep your tenants safe and happy this winter by partnering with a professional property management firm such as FAS Management. Since 1946, we have served the DC area with prompt, professional, and affordable property management solutions. Contact us today at (202) 337-5080.
