How to Winterize Your Long-Term Rentals: A Comprehensive Checklist for Landlords
As a landlord, preparing your long-term rentals for the winter season is essential to keep your tenants safe and cozy and save you money on repairs down the road.
Taking the time now to winterize your home checklist means fewer emergencies, less costly damage, and happier tenants throughout the colder months.
Here’s a complete winter preparation checklist to help you stay on top of essential winter maintenance for your long term rentals.
Winter Preparation Checklist
1. Insulate Pipes
Frozen pipes can lead to costly damage and unhappy tenants. To prevent freezing, make sure all pipes, especially those in unheated areas, are insulated properly.
2. Encapsulate the Crawl Space
Crawl spaces are often the source of cold drafts and moisture. Consider encapsulating the crawl space to create a more controlled environment and improve energy efficiency in your rental.
3. Inspect and Clean the Basement Sump Pump
Ensure the sump pump in your basement is functioning properly to handle winter water and melting snow to eliminate leaks. Schedule a professional inspection and consider adding a backup pump in case of power outages.
4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is an essential part of any winterization checklist. Replace batteries as needed and make sure tenants know the importance of functioning alarms during the winter when heating systems are in full use.
5. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can damage the roof and cause leaks inside the home. Clean the gutters and ensure water drains away from the property.
6. Create a Snow Removal Plan
Make sure you have a snow removal plan in place to keep walkways and driveways safe for tenants. This could involve hiring a service or providing tenants with the necessary tools for the job.
7. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Heavy snow and ice can cause branches to break, damaging your rental property or blocking driveways. Trim any trees with limbs that hang over the roof or other important areas of the home.
8. Drain Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Before freezing temperatures hit, be sure to drain and turn off outdoor faucets and remove hoses. This prevents burst pipes in the colder months.
9. Inspect Furnace and Water Heater
A furnace breakdown in the dead of winter is something you want to avoid. Have the furnace and water heater inspected to ensure they’re in good working condition. Replace air filters and clean out any built-up debris.
10. Seal Drafty Windows and Doors
Inspect doors and windows for drafts and seal any gaps with weather stripping or caulking. This will help retain heat inside and reduce energy bills for your tenants.
11. Check for Foundation Cracks
Cold temperatures and shifting ground can worsen foundation cracks. Conduct an inspection and address any visible cracks before winter arrives to prevent further damage.
12. Blow Out Sprinklers
Before the first freeze, make sure to blow out the sprinkler system. This prevents water from freezing in the pipes, which could lead to costly repairs in the spring.
13. Clean the Chimney
If your rental has a fireplace, have the chimney professionally cleaned to remove any soot or debris. This reduces the risk of chimney fires and ensures the fireplace operates safely throughout the winter.
14. Check the Roof for Damage
Winter snow and ice can weigh down on a damaged roof. Inspect the roof for missing shingles or weak spots, and make necessary repairs to prevent leaks during the winter months.
15. Set Up a Heating System Maintenance Schedule
Maintaining the heating system is crucial during the winter. Set up a routine maintenance schedule to check for efficiency, clean filters, and test thermostats.
16. Insulate the Attic
Proper attic insulation can prevent heat loss and reduce the risk of ice dams forming on the roof. Ensure the attic is well-insulated to keep the property energy efficient.
17. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Equip your rental with an emergency kit that includes flashlights, batteries, blankets, and other essentials in case of power outages due to snowstorms or extreme cold.
18. Winterize the Garage
If your rental has a garage, ensure it is properly insulated, and the door seals tightly to prevent cold air from seeping into the house.
19. Inform Tenants of Preventative Steps
Send a helpful guide to your tenants with tips for maintaining their homes during the winter months, such as running faucets to prevent frozen pipes or how to report heating issues promptly.
20. Set Thermostats to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Encourage tenants to keep their thermostats at a consistent temperature, even when they’re not home, to prevent pipes from freezing in extreme cold conditions.
Essential Winter Preparation Checklist for Long Term Rentals and Apartments
Following this home winterization checklist will ensure your rental property is ready for the coldest months of the year.
Whether you’re working through the winter preparation checklist yourself or hiring a professional, preparing now will save you money in the long run and keep your tenants happy and safe.Winter doesn’t have to be stressful for landlords. By following your winterization checklist, you’ll avoid unexpected issues and costly repairs.
Winter Preparation Checklist FAQ's
Yes, apartment buildings require attention to shared systems such as central heating, common area maintenance, and ensuring exterior pipes are insulated.
Encapsulating a crawl space helps to insulate the property, prevent frozen pipes, and improve overall energy efficiency.
It’s recommended to ask tenants to keep the heat at a minimum of 55°F (13°C) during the winter months, even if they are away. This temperature helps prevent pipes from freezing, especially in colder areas of the home like basements or near exterior walls.
