WNY property owners know the coming of fall means a few things. Kids back to school, the Bills, Pumpkin patches, Halloween, and of course, that Buffalo WINTER IS COMING. This means there are a few things property owners and landlords will need to assess and potentially address during the fall to avoid there being issues in the future.
Any landlord should maintain their property seasonally to protect their investment from depreciation. By maintaining a healthy influx of rent collection and quality clients, you can trust that whoever’s living in your property is taking care of it, but even the best tenant will create wear and tear, and there are always maintenance needs. That’s where having a property management company can ensure these things are being met.
Let’s look at what Buffalo rental property owners need to be doing this fall to make sure their properties are in proper shape before winter.
Fall Outdoor Rental Property Maintenance
Before we step indoors, here are a few to-dos for your fall property maintenance checklist.
Clean Those Gutters
Fall is the ideal time to clean out any gutters. This is something you’ll certainly want to get done before snow and ice build up on the roof and around your property’s gutter system. Usually, you’ll want to get this done around the end of fall once the majority of the trees have lost their leaves. While you’re cleaning, inspect the gutters to ensure they are all secure and note any sections that may need repair or replacement.
While You’re Up There, Check Out the Roof
While whoever is up there cleaning your gutters, it is probably a good idea to get a look at the roof. This is another factor to consider before Buffalo’s snow, wind, and ice hit the area. It’s a good time to assess if there are any issues with shingles, tiles, or any signs of weakness or damage to the roof. This can help prevent any leaks or future issues for your tenants, which you’ll inevitably need to handle.
Assess Trees & Landscaping
We’ve had some pretty gnarly winter storms here in the 716 the last few years. Improperly trimmed trees can lead to extreme weather damage and major issues, including damage to your property and downed power lines, which can be dangerous for your tenants. Snow, ice, and wind can weigh down and/or break branches that are weak or show signs of a plant healthcare issue. It’s important to take time in the fall to have a professional tree company assess and prune any dead, dying, or diseased branches.
Fall Indoor Rental Property Maintenance
Now that we have covered most of the outside, let’s take a quick look indoors.
Check Your Insurance Policy
Just in case, you may want to review your landlord insurance policy if it’s been a while. This will help you be prepared for snowstorms and potential issues with the property over winter.
Test the Thermostat & Heating System
Before it starts getting chilly, it’s a good time to review all your units’ thermostats to ensure they are in working order. Turn the system on heat and set the temp a few degrees higher than the room, to make sure everything kicks on. If not, you may need an HVAC tune-up.
Check & Test All Locks & Windows
Assess any doors and windows’ weather stripping and ensure they aren’t allowing any drafts or cold air in. It’s also a good time to make sure all locks and windows are working properly.
Assess Entranceways & Walkways
Be sure to tend to any stairways, porches, patios, and other areas that tenants and guests will be using. Make sure any handrails and stairs are secure and won’t create a scenario where someone could fall. Remember to grab some ice melt and prepare for salting and have clear communication with your tenants regarding your snow removal policy, which should always be included in your lease here in Buffalo.
Lastly, Ask Your Tenants!
You should always check in with your tenants to make sure everything is in working order. Communicating with the tenant to see if there’s anything they see that could be fixed is something you should do routinely, and have a system for managing multiple requests.
If you are a property owner in Buffalo and are getting sick of doing all of these property maintenance tasks, it may be time for a cup of coffee with Nickel City Property Management. We have a team of property maintenance experts and systems in place that can tackle all of your properties and take the workload off your hands. Thanks for reading, and be sure to follow us on social media for more tips on property ownership, management, and maintenance!
