Whether you own/manage one rental or many, it’s easy to let seasonal maintenance tasks slip away. Whether your tenants are consistently on top of upkeep, or lag behind, working together can keep your rental property looking its best.  AHRN.com has compiled a list of summer maintenance items to help keep you organized during seasonal upkeep or in preparation for tenant turnover!

Consider setting regular reminders to check in with your tenants to see how things are going.  This will often uncover any maintenance issues early, and facilitate a better tenant-landlord relationship.  Here is a list of summertime items that should be addressed.

Outdoors:

• Clean gutters and downspouts
• 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 furnace 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 when addressing any maintenance items.

Addressing problems before they become 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!