As a Nashville property management company, we understand the importance of properly winterizing your rental properties. Taking a proactive approach will ensure that your property remains in good condition throughout the winter season. Although Nashville's winters aren't too harsh, they can still present challenges and cause damages which can lead to costly repairs. At RENEW, we do our best to make sure that your rental property is protected while maximizing the lifespan of your investment. Continue reading to learn about some of our essential winterizing tips and tricks to maintain your property's condition.
Inspection and Maintenance Checklist
Take action before the winter months to get ahead and prevent as many issues as you can. Start with a thorough inspection of your property and create a checklist of everything that needs to be fixed or improved. The items below are a good place to start:
- Roof and Gutters: Inspect for any loose shingles and ensure that all gutters are cleared of debris to prevent ice dams.
- Walls and Windows: Ensure that there are no cracks or gaps in the exterior walls. Check every window for damaged weather-stripping and make sure all windows are properly sealed.
- Heating System: Send a qualified HVAC technician to inspect the heating system. This will help ensure that your HVAC unit is working efficiently throughout the cold season.
- Pipes and Plumbing: Have a plumber inspect for any leaks and insulate all exposed pipes to prevent freezing and potential pipe-bursts.
- Landscaping: It is important to trim any overhanging branches to prevent them from falling and damaging your property. This is a good time to inspect the property for dead/dying trees that need to be removed.
- Outdoor Equipment: Properly store your outdoor furniture and lawncare equipment to increase their longevity.
Insulation and Draft-Proofing
Once your heating system has been inspected and is ready to go, make sure that all the heat stays inside the property to improve efficiency and save money.
- Attic Insulation: Inspect for proper attic insulation to prevent heat loss through the roof.
- Seal Drafts: Use weather-stripping and caulk to seal any cracks and gaps around all exterior doors and windows to keep the heat inside.
- Insulate Pipes: Properly insulate the pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing and bursting.
- Smart Thermostats: You may consider installing smart thermostats which allow you to optimize the efficiency of your heating system.
Emergency Information
In order to avoid panic, have a structured plan in place for emergency situations. Keep your tenants well-informed on what to do and who to contact when an emergency arises.
- Emergency Kit: You may provide an emergency kit filled with items to help your tenants in the event of a power outage or severe winter weather conditions. Items such as a flashlight, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food items should be sufficient for temporary power issues.
- Emergency Contacts: Ensure that your tenants know who to contact in the event of an emergency. This will allow for a quick response in case any issues arise.
- Winter Storms: Provide your tenants with information on what to do and who to contact in the event of a winter storm or winter emergency. Having a plan in place will help everyone stay calm.
Snow and Ice
Although Nashville doesn't have the worst winters around, temperatures will commonly drop below freezing during the winter months. Be aware of this and take the proper steps ahead of time.
- Contract Services: Build out a list of reputable services for snow and ice removal. This will keep your tenants safe from slipping on ice and will keep your property in good condition.
- De-Icing: You may consider providing salt and other de-icing materials to keep the walkways and driveway clear of ice.
- Tenant Responsibilities: Make sure your tenants are well aware of their responsibilities during the winter months. You may ask that they salt their driveways and walkways. Ensure that all of this is clearly laid out in the lease agreement.
Communication
By maintaining an open line of communication with clear instructions for your tenants, you can stay ahead of the game and prevent issues from popping up in the first place. Communication is one of the most important ways to keep your property in good condition.
- Winterization Instructions: Create a winterization guide for your tenants. This should reiterate their responsibilities, as well as contain helpful tips and tricks for keeping the property safe and in good condition during the winter.
- Regular Inspections: As a general rule, it is wise to perform routine inspections throughout the year. This will ensure that all of the important components of your property are in working order. Preventative action is always better than being caught off guard by a major issue.
Bottom Line
By taking action early, you can prevent larger issues from arising. The last thing you want to happen is a major issue popping up due to neglect. It is always better to check all of your systems and ensure that everything is properly prepared for the cold months. Even in Nashville, temperatures will drop below freezing and pipes can burst. Take the proper action to protect your home and avoid some costly headaches. If you need any guidance, don't hesitate to contact RENEW. We have been in the Nashville property management world for many years, so we have the experience and expertise to keep your rental property up and running! It is our job to protect your investment!