Essential Tips for Getting Your Rental Property Ready for Fall

As the fall season approaches, it’s time for landlords to take charge and prepare their rental properties. Proactive maintenance and strategic updates are not just tasks, but a demonstration of your responsibility and control.

Here are seven things you can do to prepare your rental property for the fall.

Inspect and Clean Gutters

One of the most crucial tasks in preparing your rental property for fall is inspecting and cleaning the gutters. This routine maintenance is a critical step in preventing water damage, leaks, and foundation issues.

Regular gutter maintenance is crucial; it’s your responsibility as a landlord, especially before heavy rain or snowfall. Remove any debris and flush the gutters with a hose to ensure they drain correctly.

Check the Roof for Damage

While on the roof, look for missing or damaged shingles, cracks, or leaks. Pay special attention to areas around vents, chimneys, and skylights where leaks are more likely to occur.

Roofing during a storm is also a good idea.

Service the Heating System

As the weather cools, tenants will rely on the heating system to keep their homes comfortable. Ensure the heating system is in good working order by scheduling a professional inspection and servicing. This includes checking the furnace, heat pump, or boiler, replacing filters, and ensuring all components function efficiently.

As a landlord, you hold the power to influence your tenants’ energy bills. Educating them on how to use the heating system efficiently is not just a suggestion, but an essential step to saving energy bills further. You have the power to make a difference.

When it comes to HVAC units in rental properties, there are a few key things landlords should keep in mind. By following some simple preventative maintenance tips and tricks, you can help ensure your tenants stay comfortable all year long – without breaking the bank. This blog post will discuss some best practices for maintaining HVAC systems in rental properties. We will also offer advice on when to replace aging systems and whether or not upgrading to more energy-efficient models is a sound financial decision.

Changing Air Filters

HVAC filters play an essential role in keeping indoor air clean and healthy. They work by trapping particles of dust, pollen, and other allergens, preventing them from circulating through the home. However, filters can become clogged with debris over time, reducing their effectiveness. For this reason, it is essential to change HVAC filters regularly. Depending on the type of filter, it should be changed every one to three months. The best way to determine how often to change your filter is to check it monthly and replace it when it becomes visibly dirty. 

In addition to regular changes, choosing the right type of filter for your needs is also important. The MERV rating indicates a filter’s ability to trap particles, with higher ratings indicating better performance. For most homes, a filter with a MERV rating of 8 or 9 is sufficient. However, a higher-rated filter may be necessary if anyone in the home suffers from allergies or asthma.

Keep the Area Surrounding the Indoor Unit Clutter-Free

Most people know it’s important to keep the area around their outdoor HVAC unit clear of debris. After all, an obstructed air conditioner can quickly overheat and break down. However, many people don’t realize that the same principle applies to their indoor HVAC unit. If the area around your indoor unit is cluttered with furniture, boxes, or other items, it will impede the flow of air and make it harder for your unit to do its job. As a result, your HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, which can lead to higher energy bills and shorten the lifespan of your unit. So next time you’re tempted to store something in the space around your indoor HVAC unit, think of other storage options.

Regulate your Home’s Temperature

When the weather outside is hot, the inside of your home can quickly become an oven. To avoid turning your home into a sauna, you can do a few things to regulate the temperature. First, ensure your air conditioner is adequately sized for your home. An air conditioner that is too small will have to work overtime to cool your home, while one that is too large will cool your home too quickly and waste energy. Second, set the temperature on your air conditioner to the highest comfortable setting. The typical HVAC can cool a home by 15-20 degrees – turning it down to 65 when it’s 102 out will only make the system overwork itself and increase your bill. Lastly, don’t turn the system off when you’re not home. If you allow your home to reach the outdoor temperature, it will take a long time to cool down. But, if you turn it up to 80 when you’re at work or on vacation, it will be much easier to cool your house when you return.

Preventative Maintenance

HVAC preventative maintenance is essential for keeping your heating and cooling system running smoothly. During a preventative maintenance visit, an HVAC professional will inspect and clean the major components of your system, including the air filter, blower, coils, and drain pan. They will also check for any signs of wear and tear and ensure all connections are tight. In addition, they will test the system to ensure that it is operating at peak efficiency. By getting regular preventative maintenance, you can extend the life of your HVAC system and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Replacement

At some point, every homeowner will need to replace their HVAC unit. While it may be tempting to put off this major purchase, it is crucial to know when it is time to make the switch. One tell-tale sign is increasing energy bills. In addition, as your unit ages, it becomes less efficient, costing you more money to operate. Another sign is inconsistent heating and cooling. If your home never seems to be at the right temperature, it may be time for a new unit. When choosing a replacement unit, it is important to consider your home’s size and climate. You will also want to look for a unit with a high SEER rating, as this will indicate that the unit is energy efficient. Finally, HVAC replacement costs can vary widely, so be sure to get multiple quotes before deciding. By following these steps, you can ensure that you choose the best possible HVAC unit for your home.

Seal Windows and Doors

In addition to sealing windows and doors, consider installing draft stoppers or door sweeps on exterior doors to prevent drafts further. If the property has older windows, consider investing in storm windows or double-pane replacements to improve insulation.

Prepare Outdoor Areas

Fall is the perfect time to prepare outdoor areas for the colder months. Start by raking and removing fallen leaves from the lawn, garden beds, and walkways. Leaves can create a slippery surface, posing a safety hazard for tenants and visitors. They can also block drains and create moisture buildup, damaging concrete and wooden surfaces.

Additionally, inspect any outdoor furniture, grills, or equipment and store them in a dry, covered area to prevent damage from rain or snow. If you have outdoor faucets or sprinkler systems, shut them off and drain any remaining water to avoid freezing and bursting pipes.

Check Exterior Lighting

With shorter days and longer nights, exterior lighting becomes even more critical during the fall. Proper rental property lighting enhances the appearance of your rental property and improves safety and security.

Replace burnt-out bulbs with energy-efficient LED options, which can reduce energy costs and last longer. LED lighting saves on energy bills and requires less frequent replacement, reducing maintenance costs. Consider adding additional lighting in poorly lit areas, such as side yards or back entrances, to enhance security further. Well-lit properties are less likely to attract unwanted activity and help tenants feel more secure.

Review Emergency Preparedness Plans

By ensuring your tenants know emergency procedures and providing them with emergency contacts, you can help them feel secure and prepared. Consider supplying tenants with an emergency kit and encouraging them to have emergency supplies. Emergency contacts include local police and fire departments, utility companies, and property management personnel.

Consider supplying tenants with an emergency kit with essential items such as flashlights, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food. Encourage tenants to bring their emergency supplies.

Getting your rental property ready for fall involves a combination of routine maintenance, inspections, and proactive planning. These seven steps can help protect your investment, ensure tenant satisfaction, and avoid costly repairs.

Thankfully, the experienced property management team at Portland Rental Management can help! Our team saves landlords in the PDX area hundreds of hours per year and tens of thousands of dollars in money wasted on DIY property management.

To learn more about the services that we can offer you, contact us today by calling (503) 646-9664 or click here to connect with us online.