Whether you own/manage one rental or a handful, it can be easy to let seasonal maintenance tasks slip by when you’re not seeing your property on a daily basis. Whether your tenants are consistently on top of their upkeep, or tend to lag behind, it’s good to work together to keep a house comfortable and looking its best. AHRN.com compiled a list of summer maintenance items to keep you organized as you perform seasonal upkeep or facilitate turnover!

Consider setting reminders to reach out to your tenants. When you check in to see how things are going, you’re more likely to hear about issues earlier, and you’ll facilitate a better tenant-landlord relationship. Since the warm weather makes addressing many yearly inspection issues much easier, many of these tasks should be tended to once or twice every year. Some things should be addressed more frequently.

Outdoors:

• Clean gutters and spouts
• Pressure wash exterior of home and possibly decking and sidewalks
• Check on the condition of paint and stain
• Check on the condition of the roof
• Clean and service air conditioning units
• Check windows for leaks and inspect caulk and seals
• Check for missing, loose or damaged screens
• Trim shrubs and trees – especially those impeding on the structure or driveway
• Inspect steps, decking, railings, and fencing for loose boards and loose screws/nails
• Check to be sure all locks and latches (including windows, fences and gates) are secure and in working order
• Check for signs of water damage or water collection
• Check the foundation for visible issues
• Check on the condition of siding, bricks or other exterior surfaces for visible issues
• Test sprinkler system, if applicable

Indoors:

• Be sure all appliances are in safe, working order
• Clean refrigerator coils
• Clean and check the hose of clothes dryer
• Check interior locks and latches
• Check GFCI outlets
• Change air filters
• Inspect water heater for leaks and rust
• Check all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries and check on the condition of fire extinguishers on the property (every three months!)
• Test circuit breakers
• Check on the condition of sealed surfaces, including tile, grout, granite, and caulk
• Inspect plumbing for leaks and loose fixtures
• Check for signs of rust, water damage or water collection – don’t forget attics and basements
• Inspect wooden surfaces for mildew and rot
• Inspect for mold
• If the chimney and fireplace were used frequently over the winter and spring, check to see if they need cleaning
• Clean ducts, if necessary
• Check furnace filters (some need to be checked every three months)
• Check for visible damage/pet stains

TIP: You may want a professional for certain jobs to save money in the long run.

• Yearly inspection for termites, other pests and moisture
• Air conditioning inspection before the heat of summer
• Plumber to flush water heater, remove debris, and tighten up plumbing to avoid leaks

Depending on your lease agreement, some of these tasks may fall under your tenants’ responsibility, and others under yours, so be sure to follow the terms of your lease agreement in your dealings with tenants.

Seasonal checks, routine maintenance and upkeep reminders for your tenants are a great idea. Addressing problems before there are emergencies can save you a great deal of time and money in the long run. Download your checklist to keep track of which tasks have been completed!