The following is a rough list of seasonal property maintenance items. Some items aren’t necessarily season-specific but should be done yearly, so they’ve been “assigned” to a season.
We’ll update this page over time, but if you have any questions/suggestions please feel free to contact us.
Spring
- Each Unit
- General walk-through/inspection
- Smoke/CO detectors
- All in right locations? (outside each bedroom, one on each level, etc.)
- Test detectors with test button
- Batteries – present (tenants sometimes remove)? expiration date?
- Blow screens to clear out dust
- Detector expiration date (about 10 years)
- Air conditioners – inspect/service (if your responsibility)
- Kitchen
- Sink – leaks around and under
- Dishwasher – leaks underneath
- Fire extinguisher – good/bad gauge/dial
- Stove exhaust hood – filter
- Refrigerator/ice-maker – clean condenser coils with vacuum or soft brush (usually behind or underneath unit)
- Bathroom
- Toilet
- Running?
- Leaking (tank or inlet valve)?
- Should be completely silent after done flushing
- If problems, consider replacing with low water flush model (e.g., American Cadet line)
- Sink
- Drains quickly?
- Leaks underneath?
- Low flow aerator
- Shower/Tub
- Low flow shower head
- Drains quickly?
- Caulk – all joints and where it meets tub/walls; if discolored, remove and replace (make sure tenants allow proper time to cure, use 1 hour bathroom caulk if possible)
- Shower curtain – make sure it’s double with inner liner to keep water inside tub
- Faucet – check caulk around it; shower water can bounce up, get through and behind shower wall
- Common Areas
- Smoke/CO detectors – test them, batteries, blow screens out, expiration dates
- Spring cleaning
- Vacuum/sweep/dust
- Get cobwebs up in corners
- Touch up paint, if necessary
- Replace light bulbs?
- Basement
- Service central air system, if any
- Change damper settings on forced hot air systems for summer cooling
- Hot water tank – signs of leaking? How old? (7-12 year lifespan)
- Tag identifying main water shutoff (do tenants know about it?)
- Signs of pest damage/infestation?
- Lawn mower and other yard equipment – oil and gas
- “Watchdog” water alarms
- Make sure tenants know what they are and sound like, what to do
- Near hot water tanks
- Near washing machines (if present)
- Test by touching both contacts
- Battery expiration date
- Outside
- Signs of pest damage/infestation?
- Roof (binoculars) – missing/damaged shingles? Fascia/eaves? (roof work best done in spring or fall)
- Chimney – cracks?
- Gutters and downspouts – Damage? Channel water 3′ – 5′ away?
- Trees – remove dead ones, trim back any overhanging roof or neighbor driveways, or near utility lines
- Stairs, patios, driveway – cracks?
- Window/door screens – torn?
Summer
- Kitchen – leaks and other items as above
- Bathroom – leaks, caulk, etc. as above
- Attic – check insulation, ventilation, creatures (squirrels, birds, etc.)
- Outside – have chimney cap installed if not present
- Consider getting home energy audit (e.g., RISE)
- Basement
- Leaks or moisture?
- Drain/flush hot water tank
- Drain steam system boilers
- Nothing flammable near boilers, hot water heaters, etc.
Fall
- Remind tenants: If they go away, heat must be kept on at least 60 degrees, not turned off
- General unit walk-through/inspection – all under “Spring” section above
- Basement
- Service boilers and furnaces (e.g., filters)
- Stock up on salt, shovels, etc. for winter snow removal
- Drain/treat gas in lawn mowers, leaf blowers, etc.
- Pipes – insulated in cold areas?
- If oil heating, fill tank, lock in rate through winter if possible
- Forced hot air systems
- Change air filters
- Change damper settings for winter heating
- Outside
- Wooden decks – seal every few years (need many days of rain-free weather)
- Chimney – if present, have it cleaned (might get a better deal doing this in the spring, though)
- Turn off water to outside faucets and drain for winter, drain outside hoses, consider putting covers over outside faucets
- Windows and doors – caulking/insulation
- If underground sprinklers, drain/blow out system for winter
- If through-the-wall A/Cs, put insulated covers on inside and outside
- Gutters and downspouts
- Clean out leaves and debris
- Make sure downspout extensions drain water away at least 3′ – 5′ from house
Winter
- Inside
- Test all GFCI outlets
- Basement
- Washing machine hoses – check, replace rubber w/ metal braided
- Dryers – clean underneath, clean out vent (hardware stores have duct brushes)
- Sump pumps – test (lift lever to make float go up and wait for the motor to click on); if you have a battery backup, unplug unit and test pump again
- Check for gas leaks with soapy water? (put soapy water on joints, watch for bubbles)
- Attic
- Insulation and ventilation adequate?
- Creatures present (birds, squirrels, etc.)?
- Outside
- Gutters and downspouts – clear for drainage
