As summer arrives with longer days and more opportunities for outdoor enjoyment, it also brings a distinct set of maintenance and challenges for property managers. The season also presents unique rental property needs that are best met by proactive care and maintenance. From keeping your rental’s HVAC systems running efficiently to managing outdoor amenities, summer property maintenance is crucial for keeping tenants happy and properties in top condition.
To make season’s demands prep easier, we’ve created a detailed summer property management checklist. Use these tips to keep your rentals stay cool, comfortable, and hassle-free all summer long!
Exterior Maintenance
Summer’s high temperatures can be hard on a rental property’s exterior, making regular maintenance essential. By performing seasonal maintenance on key systems, such as those listed below, you can more easily prevent minor issues from becoming expensive emergency repairs later on.
- HVAC System Maintenance: To keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently this summer, schedule HVAC system servicing. Also, check for debris and weeds around outdoor units, and remember to clean or replace air filters regularly.
- Landscaping and Lawn Care: To reduce lawn and landscaping maintenance, start with a seasonal clean-up. Prune trees and shrubs near your roof or power lines, and inspect your sprinkler system before use. Consider aerating your lawn for better growth, and schedule mowing services that fit your lawn type and climate. Finally, add mulch to flower beds to retain moisture and minimize weeds.
- Roof and Gutter Inspection: Include roof and gutter inspections in your summer maintenance checklist. Check for missing or damaged shingles and consider hiring a professional for an inspection. Clean gutters at least twice a year, especially if there are overhanging trees, and look for signs of pests, such as wasp nests or rodent droppings.
- Pool Maintenance: If your rental property has a pool, spa, or water feature, seasonal maintenance is essential for warm-weather readiness. If winterized, clean thoroughly and inspect pumps and filters for damage. Check safety equipment, such as fences and gates, to ensure they’re functional. Once filled with water, test pool chemical levels weekly and adjust as necessary throughout the season.
- Outdoor Seating Areas: Cleaning outdoor seating and gathering areas is essential for summer maintenance. Deep clean decks, patios, and furniture, and consider professional power washing for best results. Make sure to power wash driveways and sidewalks at least once a year to keep them clean and free from debris. Barbeque grills and fire pits should also be de-greased and cleaned before first use to prevent fire hazards.
- Pest Control: Remember to schedule pest control for common summer pests, such as wasps, mosquitoes, ants, and rodents. Eliminate standing water to prevent mosquito breeding and keep your rental’s exterior pest-free.
Interior Maintenance
Along with maintaining your property’s exterior, it’s essential to keep the systems that keep the interior cool, comfortable, and functional for your residents. Here are the crucial interior summer maintenance tasks that will help keep your property a welcoming retreat from the summer heat.
- Air Quality and Cooling Efficiency: Test and adjust ceiling fans for proper airflow (downward for cooling), replace indoor air filters, and clear dust from vents to ensure optimal ventilation. Also, check that all windows are properly sealed to enhance HVAC efficiency and maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
- Plumbing Maintenance: Just like your heating and cooling systems, your rental property’s plumbing requires regular maintenance. Include checking for water leaks under sinks and around toilets, testing water pressure at each tap, and watching for slow drainage in your summer property checklist. Address any issues promptly to prevent costly repairs later. If you have a tank water heater, flush it at least once a year to remove sediment.
- Electrical Systems: To ensure safety and efficiency, test all light fixtures, outlets, and circuit breakers, and replace any that spark or show signs of damage. Electrical issues are a leading cause of property fires, making it necessary to address these for the safety of tenants. Additionally, consider switching to LED bulbs and energy-efficient devices to lower utility bills.
- Safety Devices and Dryer Vents: Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms should be tested and have their batteries replaced annually. Fire extinguishers also need regular inspection and replacement. Additionally, if your property has a washer and dryer, clean the dryer vent regularly to prevent clogs, which can lead to fires.
Emergency Preparedness
Finally, an essential part of property maintenance is ensuring that your renters are informed and prepared in the event of an emergency. For example, ensure that your residents know what to do in the event of a heatwave, blackout, or severe storm.
Provide tenants with emergency supplies, such as bottled water, an emergency generator, or other essentials, if an extreme weather event is expected. Also, ensure that your tenants have a list of local cooling centers and emergency contacts and that they can reach you in the event of an emergency.
Effective Property Management Starts Here
Use this summer maintenance checklist to keep your rental property in top shape. Proactive property maintenance requires time and effort; consider reaching out to local property management experts in Natick for assistance. Real Property Management Pinnacle offers tailored services to help maximize your property values and cash flow. Contact us online or call 508-722-7999 today!
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