Spring is a Great Time for Rental Property Inspections
Now that the snow is finally melting on the east coast, and weather patterns are back to normal elsewhere, it’s time to take a look at your rental properties to see how the winter winds and cold treated them.
Here are a few tips that landlords and property managers can use when making the rounds of rental buildings.
Walking around the exterior of your apartment building or single family home is important. Snow can cover problems, like foundation issues, drainage problems, and shifting in sidewalks and driveways.
Check shrubs and trees for broken branches. You don’t want a tree limb falling on anyone—like a tenant, a child, or the postal delivery person. While you’re trimming back damaged areas, check that shrubs won’t cover windows for safety. And keep them from growing too closely to foundations, where they can cause damage.
Wooden posts and railings can become snow-soaked and weaken over time. Make sure that any barriers are strong and safe for your tenants.
Make sure that your landlord tool box contains batteries for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Spring is the perfect time to replace them in all your units. If any of your outside light fixtures are on timers, be sure to adjust them for daylight savings time.
Inside, you’ll want to check plumbing lines for leaks. Ask tenants if they’ve observed any leaking pipes. Replace furnace filters and open vents to keep air circulating in basements or crawlspaces. If you’re in a warm climate, spring is a great time to have your air conditioning unit serviced—before your tenants start using it.
And while you’re walking around your property, engage your tenants. Ask them what they need, and how they enjoy living there. It helps to know what people want before they decide to move away. Now is no time to lose good tenants. And to entice yours to stay, offer to purchase seeds for flowers or vegetables, if your tenants are interested in gardening this spring. It’s good for everyone!