Winter is upon us and with it comes frigid temperatures and snow storms. Our homes are built to withstand these and keep us warm and cozy until springtime. However, there are several things that you need to consider before bearing the brunt of winter, especially if you have a rental property. Preparing your Baltimore rental properties for winter is very important if you intend to avoid costly repairs. By understanding all of the things you can do to prepare your rental, you can decide what you are responsible for and what your tenants should be aware of and properly ensure that everything in your Baltimore rental properties is prepared for winter.
Winter Problems
The winter freeze can cause a lot of problems for your Baltimore rental properties. Mainly towards your integral systems. Water can freeze and expand, causing pipes to burst, and HVAC systems can be overworked and fail. The frigid cold can sneak in through deteriorated weather stripping or cause sealants to crack. While it may seem that the winter weather spells chaos for your Baltimore rental properties, fear not. If you take the right precautions to prepare your properties for winter, you can avoid costly repairs.
How to Prepare Your Baltimore Rental Properties for Winter
Before the cold rolls in, be sure to take the necessary steps to increase the defense of the home. Start with the exterior and work your way inside. By taking these precautions, you will not only avoid catastrophe but will also increase your energy savings throughout the winter.
Exterior
As the first line of defense against the cold, your exterior should be inspected before the cold months roll in. Make sure that no cold air can get in and that everything on the exterior of your Baltimore rental properties is up to par and ready to deal with snow.
Cracks in Walls
Extreme cold can cause older sealants and aging building materials to crack and allow cold air in. Go around your rental properties and inspect for any of these cracks. If there is any opportunity to replace sealants, take it.
Window & Door Frame
The frames of the doors and windows are the most common areas of failure when it comes to retaining a home’s heat. In order to maximize the effectiveness of the home’s heating system, be sure to inspect for and subsequently seal any cracks where cold air is making an intrusion.
Inspect Roof
Your roof will be holding a lot of snow over the winter months and this means that water will be sitting on your roof as the snow melts. You will want to make sure that your roof can support the weight of the snow. Additionally, you will want to make sure that your roof does not have any leaks. A professional roofing inspector is recommended as they will be able to point out any faults in the roof and avoid expensive repairs.
Clean Gutters
The purpose of your gutters is to manage the water falling off of your roof and prevent it from pooling up. If your gutters are clogged, this will cause water to accumulate and cause ice dams, which will wreak havoc on your roof. Avoid this by installing gutter guards or cleaning them regularly.
Check Vents
Your exterior vents, such as your HVAC system and drying machine can get blocked, causing strain and possible failure on your systems. To avoid this, check and clear any obstructions on your vents.
Drain & Insulate Faucets
One of the most important things you can do to prepare your Baltimore rental properties for winter is to drain your faucets, turn off the exterior water source and insulate your exterior faucets. If the water in your pipes freezes and expands, it can cause the pipe to burst. This means expensive water damage that could have otherwise been avoided by taking this simple precaution. If a rapid freeze occurs in a short amount of time, advise tenants to leave faucets in their units to drip water slightly. The possible bump in the water utility bill is still largely preferable to the cost of replacing burst pipes.
Prune Branches
Snow can cause weak branches to become heavy and fall on your roof, potentially causing major damage. To avoid this, prune any branches that are overhanging your Baltimore rental properties.
Arrange for Snow Removal
In Maryland, residents are required by law to remove snow from public sidewalks in front of their properties. In Baltimore City, you have “3 hours after the end of a snow or ice event unless the snowfall stops between 3 pm and 6 am, in which case snow must be removed by 11 am.” In Baltimore County, you are required to have it cleared within 24 hours. To avoid fines, arrange for a company to clear the snow from your public walkways.
Interior
While the exterior preparations mainly focus on avoiding damages caused by winter weather, the interior precautions are meant to increase the home’s ability to retain heat. By taking these steps to prepare your Baltimore rental properties, you will avoid paying extra for heat.
Weather Stripping
Weatherstripping goes around the frame of doors and windows and works as a seal to fill up the small cracks that cold air can slip in and hot air can escape. Ensure that your weather stripping is still functional and replace any that have become torn, ripped, or worn away around their sealing edge.
Prepare Fireplace
If your Baltimore rental properties have a fireplace, you will want to make sure that they are cleaned and the chimneys are cleared and ready for use. If you do not want tenants to utilize these fireplaces during the cold season, be sure to reiterate any lease term that states this policy, and the penalty for violating it.
Smoke Detectors and C02
While these should be checked regularly, be sure to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors while you’re making your winter preparations.
Remove Window Air Conditioners
Window air conditioners are a great way to keep a home cool during the summer, however, they will only act as an entryway for cold air during the winter. Remove them to further seal in the heat.
Inspect Attic Insulation
Heat naturally rises, meaning its main point of escape is going to be through your attic and roof. Before the winter months, inspect the attics of your Baltimore rental properties to see if the insulation is adequate. If not, add insulation to weak points or replace outdated insulation.
Check HVAC
The last thing you want for your tenants is to have their heating systems go up during the frigid cold. To avoid this, have your HVAC system checked before it bears the strain of keeping the home warm all winter.
What are Landlords Liable For?
As the landlord and owner of the property, you are responsible for making sure that all of the systems are working properly and that the property itself is ready for winter. These are the steps that were previously listed and involve prepping the physical property. Imagine if the property was vacant. Anything you would do in that circumstance is what you are liable for.
Renter Responsibilities
The renters are responsible for the ongoing winter precautions. This involves monitoring the heat, stowing personal seasonal items, and making the landlord aware of anything that they notice that may cause complications. If you are not aware of problems, you won’t be able to provide solutions. It is always recommended to go over the property with your tenants and point out any of the things that you would like them to keep an eye on. Facilitating a positive and transparent relationship with your tenants will make the whole process much easier for both parties.
Professional & Comprehensive Property Management Services
Tired of the consistent burden that comes with managing your Baltimore rental properties? Premier Property Management is here to provide you with our experienced and comprehensive property management services so that you can return valuable time and energy back to your day-to-day life. We will ensure that your properties are ready for winter and take care of any complications that may arise. Call or contact us today to get started.
