Changes in weather can pose a real problem to Oakland County property owners if they haven’t prepared themselves well in advance. A rental property not only needs winter maintenance; it needs seasonal maintenance in general. Extend the life your property and lower maintenance costs over time.
Your property is the biggest asset you have – don’t risk costly repairs from lack of maintenance. Take care of your rental property as you would your residential property. By doing seasonal maintenance, you are actually increasing the life of your property.
Prevent damage to your roof - clean the gutters
Clogged gutters won’t let water drain from the roof properly, make sure to give them a quick clean before winter sets in. Clear out any leaves from the drain and remove sticks and any other material that will cause an issue later down the road. Also, remove any leaves from your walkway, as wet leaves can be very slippery.
Trim branches and shrubs.
Check for trees around the perimeter of the house and driveway and located any long or weak branches. Thin and long tree branches succumb to the weight of the falling snow and break off, which can result in them blocking the walkway and the driveway or even damaging your property.
Insulate doors and windows.
Besides the obvious of lowering your tenant’s energy, checking for drafts will also reduce the chance of damage to the property. Check for areas between the doors and windows where heat can escape. Also, inspect the areas where the window meets its frame. If you need to make a repair, now’s the time.
Inspect the chimney.
If your house has a fireplace and your tenant relies on wood to keep the house warm, make sure you get them cleaned before winter. It’s best to hire a professional to check if anything needs to be done to the chimney to make it operational and safe. And even when you don’t have a chimney, make sure your property has a smoke alarm installed. Even if it’s not a requirement, it’s a very small investment and can prevent some serious damage to your property.
For additional information, visit us online at MRErent.com or call us directly at 248.394.0464
