Why is it important to have a plan and prepare your property for winter

Preparing your property for winter is all about protecting your financial investment. You want to make sure your property can handle the excessive snow, ice and rain that may accumulate over winter. In addition, winter poses some serious safety issues that you need to pay attention to. Here are some tips to make sure your building is winter ready:

• Clean your Gutters

  • Water is the worst culprit of building damage. You want to make sure all water easily moves away from your building to prevent damage.

• Check your Heaters

  • Turn on all heat sources. Check all heaters to make sure they function.

• Set up Heating Fuel for Automatic Delivery

  • Avoid loss of heat due to lack of fuel.

• Inspect the Roof

  • Winter is a difficult time to make any roof repairs. You will want to address any potential needs prior to the first snowfall or ice accumulation.

• Trim back Trees and Shrubs

  • Trees and Shrubs should not encroach on your outdoor heating units, the roof, gutters or any other venting for your home.

• Insulate Pipes

  • Pipes are very vulnerable to bursting in the winter. To prevent this, you can insulate them with a foam sleeve to guard against rupturing or add heat tape to the pipes to keep them warm in freezing temperatures.

• Seal Gaps around Doors and Windows

  • Gaps in areas like doors and windows will really elevate heating bills and leave the property dangerously cold not to mention it is place that rodents will enter to take refuge.

Winter management done right can have a positive effect on your rental’s profitability especially if you pay for heat. Even if you don’t pay for heat, costly heating bills and uncomfortable drafts in buildings is a leading cause of tenant turnover. Taking the steps to minimize winter inconveniences and problems can only help you balance the costs associated with owning investment properties.

How Can your property manager help

Besides the obvious items noted above there are a few additional steps that your property manager can take to help ease the burden of winter for you, your tenant and your wallet. Here are some tips for success:

• Change light bulbs to the energy saving kind

• Take steps to eliminate fire hazards — Did you know that most domestic fires happen in the winter?

• Check carbon and smoke detectors for function

• Looks for faulty wiring on appliances that can cause fires

• Educate the tenants on winter safety and how to prepare for emergencies like power outages

• Have a plan to drip faucets during that extreme freeze to prevent pipe bursts

• Check vacant properties regularly

• Plan for snow and ice removal

• Remind tenants of the danger of icicles and ice on walks and driveways- ask for their assistance to combat this winter nuisance

• Fight mold growth- mold breeds in humid spaces without the proper ventilation. Cleaning out and checking the function of all exhaust fans will help prevent mold growth

Problems pop up during winter months in and around your rental property. Being prepared for what might happen will minimize risk when something does happen. Taking a proactive approach to preparing for winter is key to winter success.

This information may not be used as a substitute for legal and/or financial advice and you should consult your attorney and or financial advisor for professional advice if you have any questions relating to this advisor guide.