For much of the country, March 13th, 2022, signifies that glorious time of year again when everyone moves their clocks forward one hour. It’s Daylight Saving Time (yes, it’s technically “saving” and not “savings,”) and it’s time to spring forward toward brighter evenings, warmer temperatures, and seemingly shorter days.
But if you’re a rental property owner, it’s also a reminder to look at your roster of spring maintenance for your property. As you spring forward, check your schedule and look to add these efforts to your to-do list.
Time to Service Your HVAC Equipment
One of the most critically significant components of your rental property is the heating and air conditioning system. Spring is also the perfect time of the year to schedule those seasonal HVAC appointments. To preserve the lifespan of your heating and AC units, it’s recommended you have a licensed HVAC contractor come to inspect and service them. You can stay ahead of major unit failures or repairs, too.
Change the furnace filter and have an assessment of the operational soundness of your AC unit. You can also have any ductwork evaluated for potential cleaning, as well. Scheduling this appointment now can help reduce the risk of having to pay for a Sunday evening repair call during the heat of the summer.
Time to Schedule Property Yard Maintenance
Winter has likely wreaked havoc on your rental property’s yard, roof, fence line, or gutters. As you remember to set your clocks forward for Daylight Saving Time, don’t forget to get your spring landscaping in order, too. Landscaping isn’t just a cosmetic seasonal maintenance task. There are inherent benefits to your property value and condition and major repairs you can avoid with an avid approach to exterior care.
There might be low-hanging limbs, leaf buildup, or snow yard damage that needs attention. And freezing water in the gutters could present cracks or misaligned water disbursement that could lead to improper drainage next to the foundation. Cracks in the driveway might need sealing to preserve longevity. Water spigots and hoses can be dewinterized for spring and summer use. And sure, it’s a great time to add a little color with flowers and plants should you want to make a few cosmetic upgrades.
Time to Book a Property Inspection
If it’s been a while since you last had a professional rental property inspection, now is a great time to book one of those, too. Having routine inspections, whereby the inspector visually inspects everything from the roof to the foundation, plumbing, appliances, and for safety hazards, can ensure your residents have a safe living space and your investment continues to grow.
Roofing materials might be damaged that, if left untreated, could result in leaks and moisture intrusion. A slow plumbing leak under a sink left unremedied could result in fungal growth. Missing outlet covers might present shock hazards. Broken window locks might pose a risk during an emergency. These types of maintenance efforts aren’t always going to be on your to-do list. But scheduling the seasonal inspection can help you stay on top of minor fixes and repairs before they turn into big project replacements.
Time to work with a Rental Property Manager
Spring brings a sense of renewal, and it could be a reminder to also consider working with a rental property manager. When you’re resetting your clocks, you might be ready to give yourself more time when it comes to managing your rental investment. Working with a rental property manager, like Axel Property Management, can free up your valuable time so you can focus on growing your real estate portfolio.We are a full service property management company. Let us handle your evictions, collections, and leasing marketing. And yes, we can handle all the seasonal maintenance tasks for you, too!
Don’t forget about Daylight Saving Time this year. And keep these seasonal maintenance reminders on your itinerary, as well. When you’re ready to explore the time-saving partnership of a property management professional, contact the Axel Property Management team!
