As the seasons change, so do maintenance tasks for landlords.

Being mindful of how the changing weather can affect your investment is crucial to proper upkeep as a property owner. Fall is an important time for property owners in Washington, DC and Maryland, because it precedes the harsh winters we often see in the area.

When it comes to conducting your maintenance tasks for fall and preparing for winter weather, here are a few of the top maintenance tips for landlords.

Conduct Preventative Lawn Maintenance

If your income property has a yard or garden space, fall is an excellent time to trim those trees and remove dead branches to reduce problems from falling debris in the winter. If the property has any tall trees, have a professional ensure the trees are in good shape and don’t present a risk for falling onto the building or roof.

Fall is also an opportune time to secure snow removal services if you haven’t done so already. In some cases, the tenant may be responsible for removing snow. However, if you as the landlord are responsible, you’ll need to be sure you or a contractor can clear snow and ice from the property when the winter comes.

Check the Roof and Gutters 

If you have the skill and experience to inspect your building’s roofing system, then by all means, check the roof and gutters in the fall as part of your maintenance routine. However, for most landlords, this is a task that requires a professional.

A professional roofer can identify problem areas on the roof and make any necessary repairs before the inclement winter weather or the hurricane season causes more extensive problems. Your roofer may also be able to inspect and clean gutters, which can be clogged from falling leaves this time of year.

Test and Service HVAC Systems

It’s imperative that your property’s heating and cooling systems work, especially during fall, when the changing weather often requires both heating and cooling as we transition into winter. Testing the HVAC system can help ensure everything is working as it should.

Check the thermostat to ensure the heat comes on when you increase the temperature, and if you haven’t already, have your HVAC system serviced by a professional. Regular maintenance of the system can prevent many common problems that could become emergency fixes during the winter.

Identify Drafts That May Need Sealing

As the cooler weather comes in, check your income property for drafty areas. These could be areas around windows and doors, in the attic, or even in the basement. If you’re noticing drafts during your inspection, chances are your tenants will too.

Fixing drafts may only require re-caulking or some spray insulation, but if these don’t do the trick, you may need to consider replacing windows and doors. Ensuring your property is sealed and protected can not only keep tenants comfortable but increase energy efficiency and reduce problems from pests.

Get the Chimney and Fireplace Cleaned

If your income property has a fireplace or wood-burning stove, fall is the time to get the chimney professionally cleaned. Check and ensure the ventilation is working properly, and have the chimney inspected for any issues that could cause smoke to come back into the house.

While conducting these maintenance tasks, verify that your tenants are clear on how to use the fireplace or woodstove if they choose and best practices for keeping the unit safe while doing so. 

Verify Tenant Responsibilities and Communication 

Tenants often travel during the holiday season, and fall is an excellent time to send out a reminder before the hustle and bustle of the end of the year that renters should communicate to you when they’ll be away.

Not only are freezing pipes a risk, but there also won’t be anyone at the property to let you know that there’s an issue, such as if the heat stops working or a storm causes a broken window or roof damage.

Double-check that tenants know where to reach you (and that you know where to reach them), and remind them that they should let you know their travel plans so you can check on the property as needed.

How’s Your Fall Maintenance Coming Along?

Fall is a busy time for landlords in DC and Maryland. How is your fall maintenance going so far? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, contact FAS Management to get a hand on managing your income property in the nation’s capital. Call us at (202) 337-5080 today!