Skip to Content

Winterproofing Your Rental: Expert Tips for Landlords

Weather stripping being added to windows as part of the winterizing process in a rental property. Protecting the value of your investment requires you to prepare your rental property for each season. It’s time to get your Providence rental properties ready for the winter when the days get shorter, and the leaves start to change color. Landlords and property managers are required to perform critical maintenance tasks each year in order to prepare a rental home for the upcoming winter months. You must ensure that your property is prepared correctly and effectively as the owner. There are a number of essential tasks that must be completed annually by landlords when winterizing a rental home

 

Insulation and Sealing

Check your home for drafts and seal any gaps you find to reduce energy consumption and prevent heat loss. This can include windows, doors, and any other areas where cold air can seep in. Insulate both the attic and walls of your home in addition to sealing drafts. Regardless of the weather outside, this will help you to maintain a consistent temperature inside your home.

 

Heating System

You should conduct routine maintenance tasks such as system servicing, air filter replacement, radiator bleeds if necessary, and thermostat installation. Maintaining a safe and efficient heating system requires a professional inspection and tune-up as part of the service process. The ignition system will be tested, and the burners will be cleaned, by a qualified technician who will also check the electrical connections.

 

Doors and Windows Solutions

Installing storm windows and doors is a crucial step in helping to winterize your home. These specialized windows and doors are made to provide an extra layer of insulation to help keep the cold out and the warm air in. The use of heavy curtains or thermal blinds can also help to insulate the home. In order to maintain your home’s heating efficiency, it is essential to routinely check the weather stripping around your doors and windows. Every year, you should check it over, promptly replacing any damaged or worn weather stripping. Adding or replacing weather stripping on exterior doors and windows can keep cold air out more effectively, improving your home’s heating and energy efficiency.

 

Plumbing Precautions 

Particularly in terms of the plumbing system, winter weather can be harsh on rental properties. When temperatures drop, the water pipes in a house can freeze, and if left unattended, they can burst and cause significant damage to the property. It is critical to insulate water pipes to avoid the risk of them freezing during the winter.

 

More importantly, it is critical to have open communication with tenants about the ideal temperature to maintain in the house, which is usually at least 58 degrees. 

 

Telling the tenants to keep the cabinet doors open during cold weather is another helpful tip. This will allow warm air to circulate the pipes and assist in preventing them from freezing.

 

Exterior and Structural Maintenance

Inspect the exterior for any gaps that could allow cold air to seep in as a first step in winterizing your home. Vinyl siding and window flashing are two common places where these spaces can form. Finding any gaps and filling them with caulk or insulation is crucial to keep the warm air inside and prevent cold air from entering your home.

It’s also necessary to maintain your roof and gutters. This will help to prevent leaks or damage from cold air entering your home. The foundation and crawl space are two more crucial areas to consider. Having these areas properly insulated can help keep your home warmer and draft-free. To keep cold air from entering, make sure to seal any gaps in the foundation. You can ensure that your home stays warm and cozy all winter long by following these simple steps.

 

Tenant Education

To ensure the safety and well-being of tenants during the winter, it is essential to educate them on necessary maintenance and emergency procedures. Include instructions on clearing sidewalks and driveways properly, how to keep pipes from freezing, what to do in the event of a power outage or heating system breakdown, and other pertinent information. Tenants will be better prepared to deal with any issues that arise during the winter if they are given clear and thorough instructions.

 

Regular Inspections

Regular property inspections during the winter season are crucial to ensure that potential issues are identified and addressed before they become significant problems. Checking for leaks or damage to the roof, windows, and doors brought on by severe weather conditions like high winds, heavy rains, or snow may be included in these inspections. 

 

Regular inspections also identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved, leading to lower energy bills and a cleaner environment.

 

Depending on the location of your rental properties, winter can be extremely challenging. As such, you’ll want to make sure that your investment is protected from the elements. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your property is adequately weatherized and energy efficient, thereby providing a comfortable and safe living environment for your tenants.

 

Happy tenants and secure investment properties are prepared for whatever the future brings with the help of Real Property Management Cache Valley. Contact us online or by phone at 435-753-5200 for more details about our property management services in Providence and the surrounding areas.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details