Sweater weather, cozy nights, and... rental property maintenance?
Okay, maybe that last one isn't everyone's favorite part of fall. But getting your rental property ready for winter doesn't have to be a big production.
As self-managing landlords with three rental properties, we've learned that a little preparation goes a long way toward protecting your investment and keeping tenants comfortable.
What should landlords do to prepare a rental property for winter?
The short answer: Protect your plumbing, check your heating system, clear gutters, prevent drafts, and make sure your tenants are prepared.
Your Rental Property Winter Maintenance Checklist
1. Protect pipes from freezing
Frozen pipes are one winter surprise nobody wants. When they burst, they can cause serious water damage and leave you with an expensive repair bill.
Disconnect outdoor hoses.
Shut off and drain exterior water lines where appropriate.
Insulate vulnerable pipes in unheated spaces.
Make sure tenants know how to report leaks or plumbing emergencies.
Worth considering: Outdoor faucet covers and pipe insulation. We're planning to add faucet covers to our own winter maintenance routine.
As an Amazon Associate, Rental Care Co. earns from qualifying purchases. Some links in this article are affiliate links.
For more guidance on preventing frozen pipes, check out the American Red Cross guide to preventing and thawing frozen pipes.
2. Keep the heating system running smoothly
A furnace breakdown in January? Hard pass.
Schedule a professional heating system inspection.
Check and replace dirty furnace filters.
Make sure vents aren't blocked.
Address unusual noises or heating issues early.
What we do: We use Amazon Subscribe & Save for our furnace filters. They show up on a recurring schedule, so it's one less thing to remember when managing multiple properties. We still check filters and replace them as needed.
Because fewer things to remember = happier landlords.
3. Clear gutters and protect outdoor equipment
Falling leaves are beautiful. Clogged gutters? Not so much.
When leaves and debris block proper drainage, melting snow and ice can create bigger problems.
Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
Check that water drains away from the foundation.
Inspect the roof for visible damage.
Clear leaves and debris around outdoor AC equipment.
What we do: Every fall, we clean the gutters at all three of our rentals. One property has a large tree near the AC unit, so we also provide a leaf guard to help keep falling leaves out.
Use a guard designed for your equipment and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Never obstruct equipment that needs airflow, particularly a heat pump operating in winter.
4. Check for drafts and heat loss
If your tenants can feel a breeze without opening a window, it's probably time to investigate.
Small gaps around windows and doors can make a rental less comfortable and increase heating costs.
Inspect weatherstripping around exterior doors.
Check for drafts around windows.
Replace worn door sweeps.
Seal appropriate gaps with caulk.
The good news? Not every improvement requires a big renovation. Sometimes the smaller fixes make a meaningful difference.
5. Prepare for snow, ice, and winter safety
Winter weather is unpredictable. Your maintenance plan shouldn't be.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Check exterior lighting and walkways.
Confirm snow and ice removal responsibilities.
Make sure tenants know who to contact in an emergency.
What we do: We provide rakes and snow shovels at our rental properties to make seasonal upkeep easier for tenants.
One less excuse for that snow-covered sidewalk!
Just remember that maintenance responsibilities should be clearly defined in your lease and comply with local laws.
What supplies should landlords have on hand for winter?
You don't need a garage full of gadgets. Just a few practical supplies that help you stay one step ahead of winter.
Water leak detectors: Alert you to potential leaks before they become major problems
Outdoor faucet covers: Add protection for suitable exterior faucets
Pipe insulation: Help protect exposed plumbing
Furnace filters: Keep up with routine heating maintenance
Weatherstripping: Reduce drafts around doors and windows
Snow shovels: Make snow removal more convenient
Our tip: Buy supplies based on your property's actual needs. A small, well-stocked maintenance kit beats a collection of gadgets collecting dust.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should landlords start preparing for winter?
Early fall is ideal, before freezing temperatures arrive. But if you're getting a late start, don't panic. Prioritize plumbing, heating, and safety first.
Are landlords or tenants responsible for winter maintenance?
Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining essential building systems and meeting applicable safety and habitability requirements. Tasks such as snow removal may depend on the lease and local laws.
Clear communication helps everyone understand their responsibilities. No guessing games required.
How often should landlords replace furnace filters?
It depends on your system, filter type, and usage. Check filters regularly and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
A recurring delivery subscription can help you remember to keep replacements available.
Should landlords inspect their rental properties before winter?
A seasonal walkthrough can help catch problems early. Just make sure to follow applicable tenant notice and entry requirements.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Being a thoughtful landlord doesn't mean preventing every problem. It means having a plan, staying organized, and taking care of the things you can control.
A simple seasonal maintenance routine can help protect your investment, reduce unexpected expenses, and create a better experience for your tenants.
Less stress. Fewer surprises. Happier tenants.
Now that's our kind of winter.
More Helpful Resources from Rental Care Co.
The Thoughtful Landlord Toolkit
Managing a rental property comes with a lot of moving pieces. Our toolkit helps self-managing landlords stay organized, keep track of important details, and manage their properties with more confidence. Explore the Thoughtful Landlord Toolkit
5 Things Every First-Time Landlord Should Know Before Buying a Rental Property
New to rental property ownership? Start with these practical lessons to help you feel more prepared. Read the article
Written by Krystle, co-founder of Rental Care Co.
We're hands-on, self-managing landlords who own and manage three rental properties in Michigan. Through Rental Care Co., we share practical tools, firsthand experiences, and lessons we've learned along the way to help other landlords manage their properties with more confidence and less stress.