How to Get Your Property Ready for Spring
Tired of snow and cold weather? Here is a list of tips for property managers tasked with handling the change of seasons.
It’s finally time to get ready for a new season. And if you’re a property manager, prepare for the beginning of a busy period. Apart from regular inspections, you need to make sure your properties are spring ready. Whether you have some vacant units, or most of your apartments have been long occupied, it is crucial to think about (and set aside money for) seasonal changes.
Many parts of your rental property are oftentimes neglected or remain untouched during autumn and winter. In order to make sure all amenities you provide are functional and your residents can enjoy your property’s outdoor spaces, you need to start preparing for warmer weather. Here are a few tips:
- check the landscape and grilling area
- examine building exteriors
- check out the HVAC system
- test the irrigation system
- keep your residents safe by inspecting all alarm systems
- visit all units, if possible
- identify potential maintenance issues
- review lease expirations
A proactive approach
The first thing you should do is take advantage and engage with your residents. They are the best sources when it comes to potential issues. Email them or try to schedule a visit and grant them the opportunity to reveal their expectations. May is typically the month when most renters seek new places to live, but if you properly communicate with them, you can boost renewals and update your retention program. These actions might be time consuming, but they are better than dealing with vacancies.
An exterior inspection is also mandatory. Look for damage caused by freezing temperatures and call a landscape specialist that can evaluate what plants need to be replaced or trimmed, and think about the inevitable weed growth.
Ventilation and air-conditioning units need to be inspected before summer heat kicks in. So spring is also the best season to change air filters. Hire a professional, if necessary. But be proactive and don’t delay this operation, unless you want to end up spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on repairs.
